Robin's Resumes (r)https://robinresumes.com
Adding value to your Career Documentation | Career CoachingSun, 18 Aug 2019 10:49:05 +0000en-US
hourly
1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.2.2Resumes for Data Analystshttps://robinresumes.com/2019/09/resumes-for-data-analysts/
https://robinresumes.com/2019/09/resumes-for-data-analysts/#respondSun, 08 Sep 2019 09:40:45 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=3242A recent survey by Green Park Interim and Executive Ltd. has revealed that companies, especially in retail, are being overwhelmed by their inability to keep up with, understand, and mine data. In fact, only 26% of retail chairs, CEOs, and senior executives believe that their team has the digital expertise they need in data and analytics.

Resumes for data analysts should highlight Education and Certifications; you may need separate headings for each. Under Skills, you should list the software programs that you are familiar with, especially the scripting and statistical languages you know. You may need a section for Conferences you have attended or for Presentations if you have presented at those conferences.

But the bulk of information in your data analyst resume appears under Experience:

Always lead with the results of any project you have participated in; your goal is to solve business problems, so highlight the solution.

Give examples of your soft skills, such as reporting, communicating with peers or other departments, strategizing, and presenting; all the data crunching skill in the world ceases to matter if you cannot communicate.

Add any awards you received or acknowledgment from your previous employer (sometimes the annual review includes comments that are worth repeating on the resume).

If you have been a data analyst for a long time, compress your earlier jobs (which are probably no longer relevant) under a title such as Early Career.

Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date and matches your resume.

As always, check your resume against the job posting or advertisement to make sure that you have honestly met the criteria for the job and that your resume communicates this.

As a graduate of MIT, I understand the technical language and requirements of data analysts and how to communicate them in resumes. For a no-obligation quote, please contact me at Robin’s Resumes®.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2019/09/resumes-for-data-analysts/feed/0Job Changing: How It Might Improve Your Resumehttps://robinresumes.com/2019/09/job-changing-how-it-might-improve-your-resume/
https://robinresumes.com/2019/09/job-changing-how-it-might-improve-your-resume/#respondSun, 01 Sep 2019 09:34:14 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=3240Does changing jobs several times hurt your resume? Probably not—depending on the frequency, reason, and how you frame your job change on your resume. In fact, changing jobs might actually improve your resume and make you a more desirable candidate.

Changing Jobs: The New Normal

A recent article in FastCompany recommended changing jobs every 3 years to keep engaged, raise your pay significantly, and gain the job searching skills you need if you are ever laid off, giving you more control over your career. According to a 2018 Bureau of Labor Statistics report:

The time at a job increases with aging; younger workers stay at one company for a shorter time than older workers.

If you are ready to move on to a new job once again, how do you position your resume to maximize the benefit with your next employer?

How Your Employer Benefits from a Job Change

Your current company may be horrified when you leave after 3 years (or less); it is costly to onboard and train new employees. But companies also benefit from hiring job changers, and they know this if your resume frames the change correctly. For example, as a job changer:

You are used to getting up to speed fast, making connections quickly, and contributing immediately.

Your experience is broader and includes different perspectives.

You have a wider range of contacts; you want to make sure that you never burn bridges with your peers, clients, vendors, and bosses at each company.

You are a learner: you are out there gaining knowledge that will benefit your new company.

You have a reputation in the industry that extends beyond one company.

Are you ready to make the leap into a new company? At Robin’s Resumes®, we make sure that your resume helps potential employers see the benefits and value of hiring someone who refuses to stagnate in the same job, who aims for advancement, and who makes a solid contribution fast. Find out how job changing might improve your resume: contact us today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2019/09/job-changing-how-it-might-improve-your-resume/feed/0Resume Q&A: Job Titles on Your Resumehttps://robinresumes.com/2019/08/resume-qa-job-titles-on-your-resume/
https://robinresumes.com/2019/08/resume-qa-job-titles-on-your-resume/#respondThu, 22 Aug 2019 09:33:27 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=3237Q. I work in one of those companies where job titles are pretty creative. The marketing department is headed by a “Chief Amazement Officer” rather than a Chief Marketing Officer; and as the second in command, I am the “Idea Builder Extraordinary” instead of the Vice President of Marketing. The Chief Amazement Officer recently went on to another job, and I’ve been temporarily fulfilling that role, too. So how do I translate those titles and indicate what I’m really doing these days?

A. Your first problem, translating your title into something more standard, is actually the simplest. You can write Idea Builder Extraordinary and then put the equivalent standard job title after that in parenthesis like this: Idea Builder Extraordinary (Vice President of Marketing). If your field is notable for creative job titles, then providing both the creative and standard title is important.

There are many reasons why a job title might not align with an employee’s real-life responsibilities. In your case, you have filled in after your boss left. In other cases, an employee is simply handed extra work and responsibility without a title change, or the organization may be so flat that job titles are meaningless. In all those cases, parenthesis can work to explain the additional functions. For example, as a Vice President of Marketing who is actually fulfilling a CMO role, you might write Vice President of Marketing (CMO-level).

But it is also important to explicitly state in your job description that you took on the role of your boss and to clearly describe achievements that reflect that higher level of responsibility.

When you are applying for positions, you will find that even standard titles cover a wide variety of actual responsibilities. Read the job description carefully to weed out positions that may not be on your preferred career path as either Idea Builder Extraordinary or Vice President of Marketing and potential CMO.

If you are still feeling frustrated by the gap between your title and real life, contact me at Robin’s Resumes®.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2019/08/resume-qa-job-titles-on-your-resume/feed/0Transitioning from Business Owner to Employee: Helpful Resume Hintshttps://robinresumes.com/2019/08/transitioning-from-business-owner-to-employee-helpful-resume-hints/
https://robinresumes.com/2019/08/transitioning-from-business-owner-to-employee-helpful-resume-hints/#respondSun, 18 Aug 2019 09:30:25 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=3235Owning your own business is exhilarating, but also exhausting. Many owners consider transitioning from business owner to employee, especially when a vital partner leaves the business, the economy shifts, or the overall strain of ownership grows too great.

Here are some tips for creating a resume that helps spur the transition from business owner to employee:

Emphasize your teamwork and relationship building skills. Employers may worry that as a former business owner you are used to running the show and will not fit into a corporate culture. Your resume should emphasize your ability to build relationships and, when necessary, act as a member of a team rather than the leader. Often, volunteer and board experience can help position you as a team player.

Enjoy the freedom of choice. As a business owner, you have probably handled everything from painting the walls to hiring and firing employees and from balancing the checkbook to negotiating an acquisition. Because you have such varied experience, you now have a certain amount of choice in the jobs you look for. What did you consider your greatest talent and what you enjoy most: marketing, finance, negotiations, sales, project management, proposal generation? Create a resume that reflects your first choice of careers.

Focus your resume on the job you want. The point of your resume is not to list everything you can do, but to show that you can do everything the employer requires for a specific position. Read job postings and advertisements carefully and frame your resume, LinkedIn summary, or other online presence to emphasize the most important skills, accomplishments, education, and experience for the job you want.

Be open about the transition. In your cover letter and resume, make sure you convey that you are serious about transitioning from business owner to employee: You are not looking for a temporary position before founding your next company. It is important to allay the fears of potential employers.

Do not apologize if you lost your business. You honed a lot of skills even in a failed business and are bringing an “intrapreneurial” mindset to the employer.

Use your network. Whether your network consists of people you worked with in former employee situations or people who know you from your time as a business owner, they are all potential sources for job leads. They are also a great source of testimonials about your ability to work in a corporate environment, and they may be able to smooth the way with a potential employer by emphasizing how ready you are for this transition.

If you are transitioning from business owner to employee, please contact Robin’s Resumes® for help creating a resume that shows off your value while reassuring potential employers.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2019/08/transitioning-from-business-owner-to-employee-helpful-resume-hints/feed/0Ten Easy Searches to Improve Your Resumehttps://robinresumes.com/2019/08/ten-easy-searches-to-improve-your-resume/
https://robinresumes.com/2019/08/ten-easy-searches-to-improve-your-resume/#respondSun, 11 Aug 2019 09:23:43 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=3231Word’s search feature can help you improve your resume by searching for the most common mistakes in spelling, punctuation, and grammar. This check is a vital step in making sure your resume is error-free. In response to a CareerBuilder survey, 58% of hiring managers and recruiters refused to read a resume with typos, immediately dismissing those candidates from any consideration for the job.

The following 10 easy searches will help track down typos on your resume.

Search for “lead”—if the job is in the past, the word you want is “led.”

Search for double spaces. After a period, you only need a single space.

Search for a period outside the quotes (”.) In U.S. English, the period normally goes inside the quotes (.”).

Search for the dollar sign ($). Make sure you are always referring to dollars the same way, preferably either million or M and either billion or B. If you use $200K in one place, do not use $200,000 in another place. Writing “$2,000 dollars” is wrong because the $ is all you need.

Search for “company.” Word has a bad habit of wanting you to capitalize company any time it follows a noun (for example, “this insurance company…”). Company should only be capitalized if it is at the start of a sentence or part of a company name (BBB Insurance Company).

Search for % and percent. Both are correct but choose one.

Search for a hyphen after the letter e (as in e-commerce and e-mail). These days, the hyphen is rarely required. The preferred spellings are ecommerce and email.

Search for United States, US, USA, and U.S. Again, any one of these is correct but be consistent in using one.

Search for any punctuation mark that comes in a set. For example, you always need two quotation marks (“ ”), and you always need two parentheses ( ).

Search for question marks (?). Normally, they should not appear in a resume.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the many roles you have to play in creating a resume: marketing guru, expert writer, and master finder of typos on your resume? Contact Robin’s Resumes® for some much-needed help.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2019/08/ten-easy-searches-to-improve-your-resume/feed/0Is a Professional Resume Writer Worth the Costhttps://robinresumes.com/2019/08/is-a-professional-resume-writer-worth-the-cost/
https://robinresumes.com/2019/08/is-a-professional-resume-writer-worth-the-cost/#respondSun, 04 Aug 2019 09:20:51 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=3229When most people are deciding whether a professional resume writer is worth the cost, they usually calculate the length of time they saved in hunting for a job. Get hired a month or two earlier, and they have a lot more income in the bank—far more than a professional resume writer costs.

But payback for using a professional resume begins earlier: A professionally written resume renews your confidence in your abilities, reminding you of how much you have actually accomplished over your career; gives you the right words for dealing with any problems in your work history; and helps you project a stronger, more accurate image during interviews.

When you are considering if a professional resume writer is worth the cost, take note of these important points about resumes:

A resume is a marketing document. Are you confused about the line between marketing, bragging, exaggerating, and outright lying? Are you wondering whether to mention a gap in employment, how to handle a career transition, or write about another employment anomaly? Are you confident that you know what should be on your resume and what does not need to be there? A professional resume writer will give your resume focus, take care of anomalies, and highlight those parts of your employment record that will get you the job you want now.

A resume is more than a history of tasks—it is a record of accomplishments. Do you have a brag book where you have kept track of your accomplishments? Do you remember how much you learned from each job in your past and how much you contributed? A professional resume writer will help you recall your achievements and put them in context.

A poorly written resume is a reflection on you as a potential employee. Are you sure about punctuation, grammar, and spelling? Are you ready to double-check every acronym and company name in your resume or will you just assume that they are correct? Do the dates of employment lining up and have you consistently used the past tense for former jobs? A professional resume writer will make sure that your resume is error-free.

A resume must communicate. Is your resume able to pass through Applicant Tracking Systems so that recruiters and hiring managers actually have a chance to read it? Are you able to present technical or scientific information in a way that recruiters and hiring managers can understand? Does your resume align with your social media presence, or do you need to rethink your online image? A professional resume writer can help you bridge any communications gap.

At Robin’s Resumes®, our professionally written resumes have been worth the cost to thousands of job seekers. We prepare resumes that propel our clients from inquiry to interview. Contact us today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2019/08/is-a-professional-resume-writer-worth-the-cost/feed/0Cultural Fit: What Does It Mean for Your Resumehttps://robinresumes.com/2019/07/cultural-fit-what-does-it-mean-for-your-resume/
https://robinresumes.com/2019/07/cultural-fit-what-does-it-mean-for-your-resume/#respondSun, 28 Jul 2019 09:55:43 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=3215The words “cultural fit” have had a checkered past, sometimes being used to bar groups of people (women, minorities, anyone not Ivy League educated, anyone of a certain age). At its best, cultural fit refers to a company’s values and the way a job applicant matches up with those values. In fact, a JobVite survey found that 60% of recruiters look for cultural fit on a resume, right after experience.

How can you figure out the culture of a company? Look for the words a company uses, especially the adjectives, to describe itself. Often, those words will appear on the website in a mission or values statement. Sometimes job descriptions will include words like “transparency” or “customer-centric.” Articles in the company newsletter or profiles on LinkedIn may reveal what the company finds valuable in long-term employees and managers. Sometimes company photos posted on social media will offer the biggest clue to the culture.

What can you do to make yourself a better cultural fit? When you finish reading about the company, you should know if you are a cultural fit in the best sense—you volunteer in the community, and the company believes in volunteering; you like to work independently, and the company values independence; you want continuing education, and the company has a strong training program. Make sure that any of your own social media posts and photographs put you in a positive light.

How can you write your resume for cultural fit? Try to use the company’s cultural keywords, like volunteer, lifetime learner, creative thinker, and so on, appropriately—and honestly—in your resume. Search in your career for examples that illustrate those qualities: when you volunteered for a community project or met with community leaders, when you explored a new country or got certification in a new subject, or when you innovated or recommended a change—whatever that quality is.

How do you know when you’ve found a cultural fit? You will want to look for companies that come close to having the same values that you do. However, what you discover during your job search and interview may be more revealing than anything the company writes about itself. If you are told you are a candidate and then are ignored for weeks, that says something about the company culture. If you go for the interview and everyone you meet is friendly and outgoing, that says something about the company culture.

Cultural fit is an elusive quality, but it may make the difference between loving and hating a job. It is worth taking a look at your resume to see if it projects cultural values that you hold dear, whether that’s cooperation or independence, a fun atmosphere or a clear organizational structure, a commitment to meeting quotas or a commitment to giving back.

At Robin’s Resumes®, we try to make every word in a resume count. Let us help you figure out your cultural fit.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2019/07/cultural-fit-what-does-it-mean-for-your-resume/feed/0Resume Q&A: How to Handle Company Name Changes on Your Resumehttps://robinresumes.com/2019/07/resume-qa-how-to-handle-company-name-changes-on-your-resume/
https://robinresumes.com/2019/07/resume-qa-how-to-handle-company-name-changes-on-your-resume/#respondSun, 21 Jul 2019 09:50:30 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=3213Q. The companies I worked at keep merging or getting sold and changing their names. I do not want hiring managers or recruiters to think I am lying, and I really want credit for working at some big-name companies that were bought out. How do I address those changes on my resume?

A. Company name changes as a result of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are very common, especially in the healthcare, technology, financial services, and retail industries. Company name changes are also common to mark a change in company direction or for better branding. Accounting and consulting firm Price Waterhouse became PricewaterhouseCoopers after a merger. In a recent change to emphasize that it sells more than donuts, Dunkin Donuts became Dunkin.

In a resume, the four main ways of handling a company name change are:

Give the current name of the company followed by the old name: XYZ Inc. (formerly, ABC Co.).

Give the old name of the company first, possibly with the date of the M&A: ABC Co. (acquired by XYZ Inc. in 2014).

Separate your positions under each name, indicating the date when an M&A (or name change) occurred.

Just give the current name of the company.

The choice depends on several factors, including the length and type of your position at the company, the importance of the company in your career trajectory, and the familiarity of each company name. You especially want to note an M&A if you survived, participated in, or received a promotion after the merger or acquisition. For example, you should take credit if you contributed to a smooth transition, training in new procedures, or efforts to increase employee engagement.

If you need help deciding how to handle a company name change on your resume or in describing your role in a merger or acquisition, please contact me at Robin’s Resumes®.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2019/07/resume-qa-how-to-handle-company-name-changes-on-your-resume/feed/0Resumes in the Healthcare Industryhttps://robinresumes.com/2019/07/resumes-in-the-healthcare-industry/
https://robinresumes.com/2019/07/resumes-in-the-healthcare-industry/#respondSun, 14 Jul 2019 09:45:05 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=3211The healthcare industry embraces a huge variety of careers, including nursing, physician leader, administration, sales, marketing, public relations, IT, and finance. Whatever your role in the organization, your resume in the healthcare industry must show that:

You understand healthcare language, including the correct names of diseases, medications, regulations, and equipment and the correct abbreviations (it’s HIPAA, not HIPPA).

You have very specific training, skills, and experience related to the job you want. More than with many other careers, you must read the job posting carefully to make sure you meet or exceed all the qualifications for the position where you are applying.

You understand the resource pressures that the industry is facing. Make sure your resume describes any project that you served on, led, or initiated that saved money or trained employees or reduced turnover.

You have taken the courses and certifications and met the licensing requirements for the position. In fact, that information should be part of your summary.

For each previous position, you should give specific information that includes the size of the facility and/or the size of your caseload and/or the types of patients you interacted with. Any work that relates to finance—finding funding, controlling a budget—and any work that relates to quality improvement should also be highlighted.

As a healthcare professional, you may work with a diverse population, so skills in a language other than English could be important. You are expected to have a high level of attention to detail; that means you must avoid typos and grammatical mistakes. One way to do that is to wait 24 hours after making any change to your resume; read the entire resume again with a fresh eye, and then send it out.

Robin’s Resumes® has helped many healthcare professionals advance their careers with resumes that are accurate, detailed, thorough, and attentive to the unique challenges of the healthcare industry. Please visit our website for more information.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2019/07/resumes-in-the-healthcare-industry/feed/0Resumes for Jobs with Flexible Hourshttps://robinresumes.com/2019/07/resumes-for-jobs-with-flexible-hours/
https://robinresumes.com/2019/07/resumes-for-jobs-with-flexible-hours/#respondSun, 07 Jul 2019 09:50:00 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=3209As we wind down from the Independence Day weekend, let’s celebrate freedom of choice! Recent surveys have found that 80% of U.S. workers would turn down a job that does not offer flexibility with hours and location of work.

Choosing a Job and Career with Flexibility

If you want a job with flexible hours and/or location, the best way to start is by choosing a career and industry where flexibility is the norm. Jobs in that category include freelance and consulting jobs, jobs in the trades (plumber, electrician), many medical jobs (psychologist, private speech pathologist), and personal services (personal trainer, massage therapist, interior decorator, and photographer).

The second best way of obtaining flexibility is by staying in your current position long enough to gain credibility. If your company has a flexible hours/location policy—or would be open to creating one—you can ask your manager for permission to try that arrangement.

In any case, avoid applying for jobs where the job posting clearly state that you are expected to work the hours listed at the location listed. Trust the job posting; it means what it says.

Writing a Resume That Emphasizes Flexibility

If you are already working in flexible jobs, either through a temporary staffing agency, independent contracts, or simply a penchant for moving on, here are ways to strengthen your resume for the next job:

On your resume, use a heading like “On-Call Secretary” or “Software Consultant,” then list your premier projects and clients under that title, to avoid confusion over multiple engagements that might overlap.

Provide details about your accomplishments so that hiring managers and recruiters can trust that you will bring value (not just a breathing body) to their business.

Make sure your accomplishments show your reliability and commitment to deadlines, quotas, and other metrics that the company expects you to meet regardless of your schedule or location.

Are you prone to working for a while, then taking time off? That can be a benefit if you use your time off to acquire skills, knowledge of the world, or connections. But never lie.

State in your resume or cover letter—wherever it makes the most sense—that you are willing to travel if flexibility of location is a big plus for you.

Make sure you define what “flexible” means to you and to the company during your job interview. For example, some companies define it as “no overtime” and others as “set your own hours as long as you meet deadlines/quotas.”

If you are struggling to put together a resume that lands you a position with flexible hours and location, please contact Robin’s Resumes®. We can help.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2019/07/resumes-for-jobs-with-flexible-hours/feed/0Resumes for Board Positionshttps://robinresumes.com/2019/06/resumes-for-board-positions/
https://robinresumes.com/2019/06/resumes-for-board-positions/#respondSun, 30 Jun 2019 09:53:23 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=3223Boards of Directors are always looking for strong candidates. Some Board positions, for local nonprofits, companies, or educational institutions may be by invitation or word of mouth. They may be easy to obtain because fewer people contend for a spot. But candidates for Board positions at major companies, institutions, or nonprofits must have a resume and must have a strong network because director positions are not advertised.

Those candidates must also be ready for a long-term commitment. Local Board positions may require a commitment of 3 years; major companies and nonprofits may require a 10-year commitment, as well as extensive travel.

The summary on your resume for Board positions should highlight not only your professional qualifications but the reasons for your interest in Board membership and the skills you will bring. Prior Board experience is important. You may also want to include a cover letter stating your objectives as a Board member.

Here are some of the topics you should cover in your resume for Board positions:

Leadership and strategic thinking skills. Boards are set up to help companies move forward.

Communication and facilitation skills. Boards require a collaborative mindset and a free exchange of ideas.

Financial or fund-raising skills. Part of the obligation of Board membership is a commitment to keeping the company or nonprofit solvent or to orchestrate a successful exit.

Experience with mergers and acquisitions, initial public offerings, startups, or other transitions.

Industry experience. You should be bringing networking connections, industry knowledge, and a specific area of expertise to the table.

Community involvement. Directors are representatives of the company, institution, or nonprofit. The Board needs to know that you are a valuable representative.

Experience with diversity. Boards are becoming more sensitive to criticism about their diversity. Your resume should indicate if you offer Board diversity or experience in creating diversity.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2019/06/resumes-for-board-positions/feed/0Resumes for Marketing Professionalshttps://robinresumes.com/2019/06/resumes-for-marketing-professionals/
https://robinresumes.com/2019/06/resumes-for-marketing-professionals/#respondSun, 23 Jun 2019 09:50:21 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=3204The marketing profession leads in many career directions: community and media relations, in-house or agency positions, website or proposal writing, digital or print communications, and so on. However, there are a few common denominators to all of these potential career paths for marketing professionals. Your resume should focus on:

Your unique value. For example, have you experienced success in market research or social media or analytics or crisis control or writing speeches for executives? Find a niche, look for companies who want to fill that niche, and focus your resume on your successes in that aspect of the marketing profession.

Communication skills. Marketing professionals must be able to communicate, whether in person, online, or in print—that is a basic skill every marketing professional is assumed to have. Therefore, your resume must highlight the value your communication skills brought to a company. For example, “Improved community satisfaction scores 12% by initiating a social media campaign focused on employee volunteers.”

Project management skills. Most marketing professionals are assigned projects that they are responsible for fulfilling with or without a team. Highlight the specifics of the project as well as the difference your skills made: “Drove 60% increase in search traffic and 40% decrease in bounce rate by leading 15-member team who revamped entire website in just five months.”

The impression your resume makes. This is particularly important because you are a marketing professional who is marketing If your resume is filled with typos or format inconsistencies or if your unique value and skills are hidden, you have already failed as a candidate.

As a marketing professional, you may feel you know everything about selling yourself and your skills. However, resumes are a special case. A resume that is filled with unique tables and charts might show off your communication skills, but it will never make it through the Applicant Tracking System (ATS). A resume that oversells (and it is possible to do that) might cause hiring managers and recruiters to doubt your honesty. Simply using too many words, especially adjectives and adverbs, might undermine your message.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2019/06/resumes-for-marketing-professionals/feed/0Are Your Skills Up to Par?https://robinresumes.com/2019/06/are-your-skills-up-to-par/
https://robinresumes.com/2019/06/are-your-skills-up-to-par/#respondSun, 16 Jun 2019 09:45:19 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=3202On Father’s Day, we celebrate the support that fathers give their children, including helping them prepare to find and succeed at a career.

Unfortunately, 42% of HR managers receive resumes from unqualified candidates, according to a survey by Robert Half Management Resources—not surprising, since 78% of professionals in the same survey admitted they would apply for a job despite not meeting the job requirements. I always urge job seekers to concentrate on positions where they can meet the job requirements. Otherwise, their job search will be mired in frustration.

Even if a company is open to training new employees (84%), the company wants to know that the candidate who is applying is very close in skills to the candidate they are hoping for. They also would like some evidence that the candidate is trainable. That is why it is essential that you:

Read the job description or posting before you send in your resume. Make a list of all the skills mentioned in the resume and other qualifications such as geographic location. How many of them can you fulfill right now?

Check that your resume highlights those essential skills and qualifications. A list of skills is not enough; you must show how you used your skills to benefit your previous and current employers.

Rework your resume if needed to describe required skills that you may not have used recently or used only in volunteer positions. You might add a few bullet points to your summary to focus on skills that would otherwise not show up until much later in your career history.

Find out if there are classes you can take to fill in any gaps. Even if you have not yet finished a course, attendance shows your willingness and ability to learn.

Remember to cover soft skills that are critical for learning, such as communication, collaboration, and experience in Lean or similar programs that lead to new ways of thinking and working.

Use the cover letter or email to reinforce your capabilities.

Meeting a company’s job requirements is essential if you want to move on to an interview and eventually get hired. If you are concerned that your resume does not adequately represent your skills and qualifications or if you are stymied by a job description that seems impossible to match, please contact me. I have years of experience designing resumes that help job seekers qualify for the jobs they want.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2019/06/are-your-skills-up-to-par/feed/0Resumes for Consultantshttps://robinresumes.com/2019/06/resumes-for-consultants-2/
https://robinresumes.com/2019/06/resumes-for-consultants-2/#respondSun, 09 Jun 2019 10:00:56 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=3200Many people believe we are in a gig economy, where freelance and contract work is more available and more appreciated than full-time work. The gig economy is beneficial for consultants, who provide specialized skills and services for contracted periods of time.

As a consultant, your resume must:

Stress outcomes. In past jobs, you were hired to achieve a certain goal in a given time. Unlike a full-time employee, you cannot base your resume on previous or upcoming successes, only on the exact outcomes that were expected from each engagement—choose the past jobs you discuss on your resume for their positive outcomes.

Give specifics. Make sure you know the situation you enter into at each engagement so that afterward your resume can emphasize the difference you made. For example, if a project was 3 months late when you are hired and you managed to bring it in only 1 month late, you made a significant contribution in speeding up the project.

Provide the facts hiring managers need the most. The company you send your resume to may be most interested in the size, location, or industry of companies that hired you before; or the size of the teams you led; or the exact revenue you brought in or costs you saved. Make sure that you understand the company’s priorities and that your resume emphasizes the information its hiring managers will look for.

Be selective. As a consultant, you have a great deal of experience in many different companies. But just as a full-time employee will be selective about achievements and accomplishments over the course of a career, you should be selective about which part-time and contract jobs you add to your resume. A full list may be overwhelming and provide little in the way of unique information.

Resumes for consultants should show that the consultant will get up to speed quickly; has a track record of meeting goals and delivering benefits; has the specific knowledge, experience, or skills the company needs; understands the company’s situation; and communicates clearly and succinctly.

As a freelance resume writer and consulting engineer, I have experience with the gig economy that will help create a strong resume. Contact me today.

Always ask a person for permission before you use them as a reference. You want to be sure the person you ask is not surprised by a call and that they are willing to give you a positive report. According to a survey by Accountemps, 34% of job candidates are removed from consideration for a job after their references are checked.

Do not list your references (or “references by request”) on your resume. You want to shield your references from being bothered by every potential employer—they should receive a call only from employers who consider you a strong candidate.

If a former or current boss is not a good reference for you, look for options: a different manager or supervisor in the company who is familiar with your work; a coworker; a vendor or customer with whom you worked closely; or someone who provided a recommendation on your LinkedIn profile. If you made a significant contribution as a volunteer in a nonprofit, you should be able to find someone there willing to act as a reference for your job search.

Hiring managers and recruiters might ask your references about your strengths and weaknesses (38% of managers according to the Accountemps survey), so make sure your resume is accurate and that your references have a copy to refer to. You do not want to be caught in a lie or put your references in an awkward position at this stage of the process.

Your resume can be used to provide “recommendations” in two ways. First, you can include information gathered from your reviews at work. For example, a reviewer might score you particularly high on collaboration with colleagues, a fact you can add to your resume. Second, you should list relevant awards, speaking engagements, and publications which show that you are respected by your peers and industry.

If you are concerned about any aspect of gathering and using references for your job search, please contact Robin’s Resumes® for help.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2019/06/references-for-your-job-search/feed/05 Minor Problems That Sabotage Your Resumehttps://robinresumes.com/2019/05/5-minor-problems-that-sabotage-your-resume/
https://robinresumes.com/2019/05/5-minor-problems-that-sabotage-your-resume/#respondSun, 26 May 2019 09:48:40 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=3192If you have been following my blog posts, then you should be up to speed on the major content, formatting, grammar, spelling, and style problems that could cause problems with your resume. But maybe you have overlooked these 5 minor problems that can sabotage your resume:

You omitted page numbers or “continued” or any other method of alerting the reader to a second or third page. Even worse, you have omitted your name and contact information from the second or third page. The resume pages become separated, and if they ever bother searching for the missing pages, they are never sure they belong to your resume.

You overused capital letters. For some reason, many grammar checkers believe that if you use the word “company,” than any word ahead of it is the company name. The grammar checkers capitalize “Insurance Company” in a phrase like “worked for the region’s leading insurance company.” When your resume is spotted with unnecessary capitals, it becomes difficult to read.

You headed your resume “Resume of….” Resumes are clearly resumes. The heading on page 1 should consist of your name, perhaps followed by an honorific if that is important (for example, M.D. or CPA) and then your contact information. Recipients will know it is a resume.

You eliminated all white space. White space on a page consists of those areas without any words or design elements; for example, the space after a period or between lines of text or the width of a margin. If you cram too much onto a page—narrow margins, small type, no space before or after headings—your resume becomes too daunting to read. If you want your resume to be read, white space is important.

You never checked how your resume looks when it is the printed. Never forget that somewhere along the line a real human being will examine your resume. The typeface or colors (even shades of grey) that you chose may look impressive online but make the text unreadable when the resume is printed. Always print out your resume before sending it off to make sure that it holds up in hard copy.

At Robin’s Resumes®, we pay attention to every possible problem that could sabotage your resume—and in our decades of experience, we have seen and addressed them all. Contact us today for a resume you will be proud of online or in print.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2019/05/5-minor-problems-that-sabotage-your-resume/feed/0When Verbs Lead Your Resume Astrayhttps://robinresumes.com/2019/05/when-verbs-lead-your-resume-astray/
https://robinresumes.com/2019/05/when-verbs-lead-your-resume-astray/#respondSun, 19 May 2019 09:55:41 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=3187Verbs are a very important part of a resume.

Interesting, strong verbs emphasize your accomplishments: manage a team of 10 professionals; drive revenue; created new procedures; ranked #2 out of 150 sales reps. Weak verbs (is responsible for, was engaged in the process of) weaken your accomplishments and generally take up valuable space. See the difference here:

Responsible for the reorganization of two departments.

Reorganized two departments.

Past and present verb tense can easily become a problem. The only place for the present tense is in the job you hold now (“mentor three team members”). Descriptions for all previous jobs must be in the past tense (“mentored three team members”). So when you update your resume with a new job, move all descriptions of old jobs into the past tense. One verb that always causes problems is “lead.” The past tense of “lead” is “led.”

The future tense almost never appears on a resume, although you can address the future (for example, “on track to reach $3M in new revenue”). Just make sure that references to the future are still relevant. For example, if you were on track to reach new revenue three jobs ago, that goal was either met or not met—it is no longer in the future.

Verbs in complex sentences can also cause problems. For examples, “reduced customer complaints, number of returns, and satisfaction scores.” Right now, the sentence states that you reduced satisfaction scores. It should read, “reduced customer complaints and number of returns and raised satisfaction scores.”

Verb and noun forms of the same word are often spelled differently. For example, the noun is “startup,” but the verb is “start up.” So you start up a startup company.You also counsel a council and give advice when you advise them.

Many verbs sound similar to other words that have quite different meanings. The classic examples are compliment and complement, affect and effect, lead (the mineral) and led. Make sure you are using the right verb.

Robin’s Resumes® has decades of experience in making sure that every detail of your resume—including the verbs—is grammatically and factually correct and delivers a strong message. Contact us today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2019/05/when-verbs-lead-your-resume-astray/feed/0Resume Advice Your Mother Would Agree Withhttps://robinresumes.com/2019/05/resume-advice-your-mother-would-agree-with/
https://robinresumes.com/2019/05/resume-advice-your-mother-would-agree-with/#respondSun, 12 May 2019 09:57:34 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=3184A lot of the advice our mothers share with us throughout our childhood holds true value for resumes. Here are examples of Mother’s Day advice that any job seeker should follow:

If you can’t say something nice, say nothing at all.As resume advice, this adage is particularly important when you are writing or speaking about your current or previous employers. Badmouthing your boss, fellow employees, vendors, or customers is a sure way to make future employers nervous. It is fine to explain how you solved problems (“turned around” a company or “developed procedures” or “up-leveled staff”) but not to complain and vilify. The line is clear—if you do not know how to draw it, call on Robin’s Resumes® for help.

Don’t hide your light under a bushel.This mantra encourages you to clearly state on your resume what you offer to a company. Check advertisements and job postings for the education, hard and soft skills, and accomplishments that employers are looking for in the position you want and make sure that you (honestly) include them on your resume. Employers want to know what you have achieved.

Choose your words wisely.Certain business words go through cycles of popularity: core competency, empower, talent, proactive, operationalize. But they quickly become overused and even dated. This resume advice urges you to make sure you know what business jargon means and decide whether it helps you to truly communicate your value or merely show off your vocabulary.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.Embarking on a job search is never easy, whether the decision is your own or forced upon you. Updating your resume is an essential first step. You need a current resume to respond to job postings, advertisements, or requests from your network. You also need it to refresh your own memory about how much you value you have to offer to a new company. In the throes of looking for a new job, you can easily forget that your talents, skills, accomplishments, and education have worth.

Contact Robin’s Resumes® on this Mother’s Day, and we will gladly help you take that first step to a resume that is positive, powerful, and clearly written.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2019/05/resume-advice-your-mother-would-agree-with/feed/0Writing a Resume to Get Yourself Rehiredhttps://robinresumes.com/2019/05/writing-a-resume-to-get-yourself-rehired/
https://robinresumes.com/2019/05/writing-a-resume-to-get-yourself-rehired/#respondSun, 05 May 2019 09:49:07 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=3181According to recent surveys by Accountemps, 94 percent of senior managers would be willing to rehire an employee who left a company either voluntarily or on good terms; and 52 percent of those employees would be willing to reapply to their old company.

If you think your old company might be willing to rehire you, keep the following resume tips in mind:

Research the company’s open positions carefully because your former job may have a different title or may not exist. Target your resume for an existing opening that you feel is the best fit for you now.

Make sure your resume to get rehired highlights any additional skills, accomplishments, or education you have acquired while away from your old company. You want your old company to understand that your time away has added to your value—or at least, not diminished it.

Look carefully at the description of your former job on your resume. Can you tweak it now to highlight skills or accomplishments that you might have overlooked when pursuing a different job, but that will bolster your value to your old company?

If you have fallen out of touch with former colleagues, resurrect those relationships and find out about the company’s current goals and priorities. Make sure your resume to get rehired and your interview are relevant to the company’s current goals.

Prepare yourself to address the question of why you left and why you want to return. Hiring managers will want reassurance that you are returning out of sincere interest, not temporary desperation. If your explanation is straightforward, you might consider including it in your resume or cover letter.

Writing a resume to get yourself rehired is not easy, even if the company reached out to you first. For help in preparing your resume and your response to “why did you leave and why do you want to return” questions, contact Robin’s Resumes®.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2019/05/writing-a-resume-to-get-yourself-rehired/feed/0Typos on Your Resume: A Deal Genuine Breakerhttps://robinresumes.com/2019/04/typos-on-your-resume-a-deal-genuine-breaker/
https://robinresumes.com/2019/04/typos-on-your-resume-a-deal-genuine-breaker/#respondSun, 28 Apr 2019 09:49:25 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=3178You have probably told yourself that one little mistake on your resume will not hurt your chances at a job. Please think again. A 2018 survey by CareerBuilder asked hiring managers about the most common resume mistakes that cause them to toss out a resume. Number one, the choice of 77% of respondents, was “typos or bad grammar.”

As a professional resume writer, I have a keen eye for typos and bad grammar. I use online spell checkers and grammar checkers, but I also proofread, because even the best spell checker and grammar checker can make mistakes.

For example, a spell checker will accept this sentence: “Collaborated with the manger of the fiancé department.” Every word is spelled correctly, but the sentence should have read: “Collaborated with the manager of the finance department.”

A grammar checker will accept this sentence: “Lead a team of engineers that delivered a project under budget.” The sentence was part of a past job description and should have read: “Led a team of engineers who delivered a project under budget.”

When I proofread, I check for items that are easy to overlook and that grammar and spelling checkers will not catch:

Missing periods at the ends of sentences; a missing parenthesis or quotation mark in a pair; or a switch from serial comma (before “and”) to no comma.

Changes in spacing between bullets or headlines or between words.

Inconsistent dates. On the CareerBuilder survey, one human resource manager mentioned a resume where every job listed had the same employment dates.

Inconsistent spelling and capitalization. For example, “start-up” and “startup” are both correct spellings for the noun but you should stick with one. Most people now spell “cloud” with a lower-case c, but if you want to spell it “Cloud,” make sure you do that consistently.

Mistakes in acronyms or association names. For example, SHRM is the Society for Human Resource Management. If you call it SFHRM or Human Resource Managers Society (HRMS), you are making a mistake.

Make sure that you print and proofread your resume several times before you send it out. If you do not feel confident in your grammar and spelling skills, please contact me.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2019/04/typos-on-your-resume-a-deal-genuine-breaker/feed/0Resume Q&A: What Can My Former Employers Say About Me?https://robinresumes.com/2019/04/resume-qa-what-can-my-former-employers-say-about-me/
https://robinresumes.com/2019/04/resume-qa-what-can-my-former-employers-say-about-me/#respondSun, 21 Apr 2019 09:40:29 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=3174Resume Q&A: What Can My Former Employers Say About Me?

Q. I am in the middle of my career as a manager in a call center. In the past, I was part of a layoff when the company I worked at downsized. Recently, I left a job because the job description I was given during my interview turned out to be completely misleading when I actually started. I wish I knew what those companies will say about me if hiring managers and recruiters contact them. Should I be defending myself in my resume?

A. On your resume, you can certainly mention downsizing as the reason for a layoff, although layoffs are so common now that they should not cause a problem for a hiring manager or recruiter. However, it is not always wise to defend yourself from a possible problem on your resume; you may end up raising questions that no one thought to ask. What can you do instead?

First, you should check your state laws. Although there are no federal laws governing what an employer can say about you, there may be state laws. Your state department of labor will explain what those laws cover. Many states allow employers to share details about job performance, responsibilities, and professional conduct, including the reasons for termination.

Second, you can outright ask a former employer what they will tell potential employers if they call. Company policies differ widely, with some companies restricting information to job titles and dates of employment and others having no restrictions at all (except the truth).

Third, you can ask for a reference from someone in the company who will definitely give you a good reference. This approach is useful if you had a fraught relationship with a boss. A coworker, vendor, or higher ranking employee may be a good alternative.

Fourth, you might want to add a testimonial to your resume to reinforce your expertise and good qualities. Also, be sure to collect testimonials on LinkedIn.

Fifth, if you have evidence that a former employer is lying about you, you have the basis for legal action. That will not reverse the damage done, but it will prevent further damage if it seems worthwhile to pursue legal action.

Another way to approach this problem is to consider what a hiring manager or recruiter is likely to ask. Basing a hiring decision on information like race, religion, or disability is prohibited by federal law. Therefore, most hiring managers will stay away from questions that would generate that information and lead to a possible discrimination lawsuit if the candidate is not hired.

Writing about your up-and-down employment history on your resume may be tricky. If you find yourself floundering, please contact me. I have years of experience in writing resumes that deal with employment issues.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2019/04/resume-qa-what-can-my-former-employers-say-about-me/feed/0Have Applicant Tracking Systems Made Recruiters Less “Resume Smart”?https://robinresumes.com/2019/04/have-applicant-tracking-systems-made-recruiters-less-resume-smart/
https://robinresumes.com/2019/04/have-applicant-tracking-systems-made-recruiters-less-resume-smart/#respondSun, 14 Apr 2019 09:36:28 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=3172Resumes have undergone many changes over the years; most recently, Applicant Tracking Systems and social media have been game changers. With Applicant Tracking Systems zooming through resumes to pick out only the ones that match certain keywords and with social media providing a whole new set of insights into candidates, have hiring managers and recruiters become less “resume smart”—less interested or tuned in to what a resume says?

The short answer is: no. The long answer is that hiring managers and recruiters have sharper resume smarts than ever and will reject any candidate who makes the following resume errors:

Overstating accomplishments. You should describe your accomplishments on your resume, but there is a very clear line between honoring your successes and exaggerating them. When human resource managers were polled in a 2018 CareerBuilder study, 75% said they had caught a lie on a resume; in another survey, 57% said the most common lie is an exaggerated list or description of skills. So hiring managers and recruiters are definitely resume-smart when it comes to lying about skills, education, and accomplishments.

Ignoring social media or misusing it. Hiring managers and recruiters are searching social media for candidates—in fact, in one survey 73% of employers said that they had hired a candidate through social media. They are also checking social media to confirm or add to the information on a candidate’s resume. So if you have the bare minimum of a LinkedIn profile, if your online information contradicts your resume, or if you use Instagram to flaunt your latest drunken escapade, now is the time to rethink your use of social media.

Fudging your employment or industry experience. Hiring managers and recruiters still check the employment history on your resume. There are no federal and few state laws governing what an employer can say about you, as long as it is the truth. If you try to hide a layoff or gap in employment, the hiring manager or recruiter will find out. The same applies to industry experience. Many skills are transferrable, and a professional resume writer can help you frame your resume to make the most of those skills. But hiring managers and recruiters are resume-smart when it comes to tracking down the truth.

Given the resume smarts of hiring managers and recruiters, it simply makes sense to use a professional resume writer to make sure your resume is truthful and complete and to strengthen your social media presence and transferrable skills. If you want a professional resume writer with decades of experience and the latest information on the expectations of employers, please contact Robin’s Resumes® today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2019/04/have-applicant-tracking-systems-made-recruiters-less-resume-smart/feed/04 Steps to a Resume That Advances Your Careerhttps://robinresumes.com/2019/04/4-steps-to-a-resume-that-advances-your-career/
https://robinresumes.com/2019/04/4-steps-to-a-resume-that-advances-your-career/#respondSun, 07 Apr 2019 09:32:00 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=3170If you are looking to move on to a more responsible, higher paid, or more interesting career, then your resume has to reflect your preparedness for that new role. Just as employees are told to “dress for success,” your resume must dress your past experience for your future role. Here are five important steps to take when writing or revising your resume for the job you want:

Be clear about your goal. Research job titles and responsibilities for the position. Do not assume that every industry and business awards titles in the same way. In one company, a Director might outrank a Vice President—in another company, the responsibilities and rankings are reversed. Check job postings and advertisements for job responsibilities so that you know exactly what to highlight on your resume.

Put the emphasis in your resume on skills, education, and accomplishments that match the position you’re aiming for. It’s great that you were chosen to select the new copier at work; but if that accomplishment is not relevant to the management job you want, leave it out. Use the space instead to focus on your leadership, mentorship, budgeting, and other skills that are transferrable and important to a management position. Or show how your role in selecting the copier illustrates your leadership, analysis, and communication skills. Whatever direction you choose, always keep your goal in mind.

Make sure you are prepared. Once you are clear about your goals and the expectations of future employers, do everything you can to meet those expectations before you apply for a job. If opportunities arise in your current position to take more responsibility, grab them. If you need certifications or educational credits in a certain area, earn them. Begin a brag book to list current accomplishments that fit your goal before you forget those accomplishments or begin to downplay them in your mind.

Resist the urge to panic or backpedal. If this is truly the next step in your career, embrace it. You don’t need to make excuses on your resume for any gap in your skills and accomplishments. Skills can be acquired, and accomplishments will come naturally as you grow into the job. Your resume is not the place to defend yourself. However, if you want to emphasize your practical experience over educational, or your ability to learn new skills over your lack, there are ways to do that.

If you are struggling to clarify your career goals, reframe your resume for the job you want, and emphasize the positive in your resume, please contact Robin’s Resumes®. We are here to help.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2019/04/4-steps-to-a-resume-that-advances-your-career/feed/0New Emphasis on Skills by Hiring Managershttps://robinresumes.com/2019/03/new-emphasis-on-skills-by-hiring-managers/
https://robinresumes.com/2019/03/new-emphasis-on-skills-by-hiring-managers/#respondSun, 31 Mar 2019 09:45:28 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=3155A recent article in BusinessNH Magazine discussed how colleges are rethinking degree programs to provide credentials in the specific skill sets that companies and hiring managers want most. The article told the story of a general manager in a large company who was asked what degree would be helpful for his employees. The manager could not name any degree, but he could give a list of specific skills.

Industry has long offered credentials in a specific skill set (think Lean, Six Sigma, or FINRA certifications) but colleges have always focused on degrees, not certifications. In fact, in many industries and positions, a degree bears little or no relationship whatever to the hard and soft skills required for success. This lack of relationship does not mean that a college degree has no value; however, colleges are now recognizing that, in many cases, credentials mean more to hiring managers and recruiters than a specific degree.

How does that affect your resume?

You should be aware that your college major is not a sentence for life! If you majored in accounting, for example, and truly dislike it, aim for another career, perhaps one where your accounting background is an asset but not what you do daily. It is the job of your resume to target the position you want while selling hiring managers and recruiters on the value-added that you offer.

If certifications in your field are offered at your college or in your industry, consider becoming certified in addition to or in place of pursuing a college degree. When you come to an employer with certifications in hand, you are automatically more desirable. It is the job of your resume to promote the certifications you have gained.

Any experience in the workplace is better than no experience because you acquire transferable skills in every position you hold. It is the job of your resume to convince employers that those skills are in fact transferable.

Robin’s Resumes® helps you to make sure that your skills are described in a way that makes you a valuable prospect for hiring managers—even in fields that differ from your degree. Contact us today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2019/03/new-emphasis-on-skills-by-hiring-managers/feed/0Resume Q&A: How Do I Handle Many Short-Term Jobs?https://robinresumes.com/2019/03/resume-qa-how-do-i-handle-many-short-term-jobs/
https://robinresumes.com/2019/03/resume-qa-how-do-i-handle-many-short-term-jobs/#respondSun, 24 Mar 2019 09:40:16 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=3150Q. I have bounced around a lot from job to job during my career, and now I am looking again. Part of the problem is that I get bored easily, sometimes I got laid off, but also I am in a career where people just do not stay long at any one company. How do I write my resume so that I do not come off as a flake or someone who gets fired from one company after another?

A. Four ways are available to you to turn your short-term jobs into an asset rather than a drawback.

First, if short-term jobs are common in your field, then you truly do not have a problem. In fact, you might have a problem if you did not move from job to job. Being laid off is not an issue, especially if you were able to find another job in your field fairly quickly, demonstrating your value.

Second, your job changes may have given you experience in industries and positions that other job applicants might not have. You may also have developed contacts, learned software programs, or acquired other knowledge and skills that your next employer would appreciate. Review your resume from that perspective: what have you gained during your frequent job changes and how would that benefit the next company you work for?

Third, if your job changes are the result of a career in consulting, consider grouping them under a “Consulting” headline that spans a greater period of time. That way, each company represents a new client, not a change in career.

Finally, if you are so bored with every job that you cannot wait to leave it, consider career coaching. You may have a lot of transferable skills now that can carry you into a career path that you will truly enjoy.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2019/03/resume-qa-how-do-i-handle-many-short-term-jobs/feed/0Resumes for Sales Repshttps://robinresumes.com/2019/03/resumes-for-sales-reps/
https://robinresumes.com/2019/03/resumes-for-sales-reps/#respondSun, 17 Mar 2019 09:32:51 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=3147In some ways, sales representatives have an easier job quantifying their skills than many people in other positions. If you come in at or over sales goals; if you bring in hundreds or thousands of dollars of new business; if you have a high closing rate, you are already well on the way to convincing a company to hire you in a sales position.

If your measurable skills are confidential, give percentages or ranges (for example, “reached 130% over sales goal by closing a multimillion-dollar deal”). You should be sure to mention any awards you have received. Awards testify to your ability without requiring specific numbers.

You may be expected to have familiarity with a particular product or service (for example, new or legacy software, pharmaceuticals, or financial packages) or familiarity with a territory, industry, and specific type of client. You may need skill in certain software programs such as Salesforce.com.

But good numbers and experience in preferred areas are not the only accomplishments that recruiters and hiring managers expect in a stellar sales representative. They are also interested in soft skills such as:

Your ability to communicate the customers

The depth and speed of your understanding of products and services

Your ability to adapt to the company culture

Your networking and pipeline development skills

Your ability to work with a team (remember: if your successes occurred as part of a team, they are still your successes)

Your negotiation and closing skills.

For sales reps, these soft skills—especially the ability to connect with current and potential customers—are just as important as measurable skills. Sales reps need to be good representatives of the company’s products, services, and culture at every interaction.

As always, customize your resume for the position you want by carefully reading job postings and advertisements for the keywords and key accomplishments that should find a place in your resume. That way your resume covers both the measurable skills and the soft skills that companies are demanding.

I have written resumes for sales representatives in many fields, including technology, pharmaceutical, healthcare, and finance/insurance. Please contact me if you need help positioning yourself as the sales rep that any company would be happy to hire.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2019/03/resumes-for-sales-reps/feed/0Use Formatting Strategically on Your Resumehttps://robinresumes.com/2019/03/use-formatting-strategically-on-your-resume/
https://robinresumes.com/2019/03/use-formatting-strategically-on-your-resume/#respondSun, 10 Mar 2019 09:25:00 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=3144According to several studies, hiring managers and recruiters spend less than 10 seconds scanning a resume before deciding that it deserves more careful reading. Those seconds are spent looking at five items: job titles company names, start/end dates, education, and then keywords (the words that appeared in the job listing as essential hard or soft skills and accomplishments).

Use Emphasis Wisely

Once you know where a recruiter or hiring manager will be looking, the importance of formatting (designing and organizing your resume) becomes clear. The easier it is for the recruiter to find your job titles, for example, the better. You can emphasize the five items of interest through the use of capital letters or small caps or bolding or italics—just be consistent and do not use too many types of emphasis at the same time.

Choose the Right Font

You also want to make sure that the font you choose is easy to read and that it prints out clearly on paper. A resume that looks best at 200% zoom on your computer is probably using too small a font.

If you make it past that first 10-second glance, you want to make sure that your accomplishments are easy to read. Bullets with short sentences are far more readable, and likely to be read than endless paragraphs of text.

Is the recruiter or hiring manager interested enough now to invite you to an interview? Make sure your contact information is formatted for easy reading and that it is placed where it is easy to find.

Format Your Resume for the ATS

Another concern related to resume format is whether the resume will pass through an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). Those systems choke on overly formatted resumes. In fact, tables, graphs, and other illustrations may cause the ATS to discard your resume regardless of how qualified you are. If you favor a resume format with a lot of graphic elements, save it for the interview stage, when you are face to face with the hiring manager or your future boss.

Conclusion

The resume format has a great effect on readability–and that improves the likelihood that a recruiters or hiring manager will keep reading. Have you used formatting strategically on your resume? If you are not sure, please contact Robin’s Resumes® so that we can help.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2019/03/use-formatting-strategically-on-your-resume/feed/0Resume Advice 101 for College Graduateshttps://robinresumes.com/2019/03/resume-advice-101-for-college-graduates/
https://robinresumes.com/2019/03/resume-advice-101-for-college-graduates/#respondSun, 03 Mar 2019 10:20:04 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=3142Most college graduates have already begun to send out resumes, and a few may even have job offers pending. If your resume is not drawing in interviews and seems to have vanished into a deep well, here are a few strategies for re-energizing your job search.

Geta second opinion. Do you know anyone in the field you are trying to enter? Ask if they would take a look at your resume. Often, college graduates send out a resume that is suitable for handing to companies who visit the campus but is not suitable for responding to job postings. Or the resume will overlook information vital to the industry and position the college graduate is interested in. If you do not have a knowledgeable source willing to review your resume, consider hiring Robin’s Resumes®. I have resume writing experience in many fields in many industries: I know what hiring managers and recruiters—and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)—are looking for.

Read, read, read. First, read your resume to make sure it is consistent and correct in format, grammar, and spelling. Never rely solely on online spell checkers and grammar checkers. Spell checkers will overlook words that are spelled correctly but are still wrong (for example, manger instead of manager or fiancé instead of finance), and grammar checkers will always lead you astray. Second, read job postings carefully to make sure your resume includes the key (and truthful) skills, experience, and accomplishments that employers are asking for. Again, if you are not confident about your grammar, spelling, formatting, or resume strategy, consider talking to me at Robin’s Resumes®.

Focus your search. Determine what you really want to do. Applying for everything — and taking the first job offered, without consideration may not be the right path for you. If you first determine what you want to do, and then write a resume that highlights those skills for an employer, you are most likely to find the job you want. Even though it may seem that writing a “general” resume would offer the most opportunities to you, I have found the folks who focus land jobs they want faster. Companies and people tend to hire folks they know want the job they are offering. If you need help in determining your career field, consider hiring Robin’s Resumes® for your career coaching needs.

Investigate other ways to apply. If you rely on your resume alone, you are overlooking networking, social media, and personal contacts as sources for information on jobs and ways to promote yourself. Based on numerous studies, you can increase your chances to get a job at least 80% if you network to it first. If you need advice on how to jump-start your search, I can help.

Take a different path. Sometimes you simply do not have the education, skills, and experience that employees want. You can rectify that by taking courses; volunteering for positions at nonprofits that will hone your skills; and accumulating experience that is transferrable to the field or industry that truly interests you. Your rise to the top of the resume pile may be slower, but it will happen.

Robin’s Resumes® is dedicated to helping college graduates survive and thrive in the marketplace. Let me know how I can help you.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2019/03/resume-advice-101-for-college-graduates/feed/0Resume Too Long? How to Tell If Your Resume Needs Editinghttps://robinresumes.com/2019/02/resume-too-long-how-to-tell-if-your-resume-needs-editing/
https://robinresumes.com/2019/02/resume-too-long-how-to-tell-if-your-resume-needs-editing/#respondSun, 24 Feb 2019 10:36:51 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=3133Q: I’m an HR director at my current company and have risen through the ranks there. I haven’t even looked at my resume for the last 10 years. Now that I’m putting a fresh resume together, I have three pages of information on my current and previous jobs. Is my resume too long? Does my resume need editing? How do I do that?

A: The old limit of one page—even two pages—for a resume has been abandoned. The number of pages is not the way to tell if your resume is too long or your resume needs editing. Instead, make sure your resume is relevant, concise, and well-written and that hiring managers and recruiters will see the value in reading it.

How to tell if your resume is too long? Look out for these problems:

Too much explanation. For example, a merger and acquisition (M&A) or critical struggle in your company is relevant if you contributed (or survived) that M&A or helped turn around that struggle; what you achieved is far more important than what your company went through.

Repetition in listing skills at each job without any mention of accomplishments. For example, the fact that you are an expert in Excel should be mentioned once under “Computer Skills,” not repeated in every job description, unless those skills made a contribution to the company: “Used Excel to computerize and organize data for the first time.”

Avoidance of all abbreviations and acronyms. Some abbreviations and acronyms save significant space without confusing readers. First, define an acronym like M&A (mergers and acquisitions); then use it throughout the resume.

Overuse of adjectives and adverbs instead of giving specifics. What do you mean by “successfully” or “well-received” or “exceptional”? What made your project successful, what happened when your idea was well-received, and why were your results exceptional?

Lack of focus. Carefully read job advertisements and postings to make sure your resume delivers exactly the information hiring managers and recruiters are looking for. Maybe you need two resumes—one to apply for positions as Human Resources director and one to apply for positions as operations director. But keep your resume focused.

You may find that you do, in fact, need a three-page resume. But if you still wonder, “Is my resume too long?” or “Does my resume need editing?”, please contact me.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2019/02/resume-too-long-how-to-tell-if-your-resume-needs-editing/feed/0Organizing Extra Information in Your Resumehttps://robinresumes.com/2019/02/organizing-extra-information-in-your-resume/
https://robinresumes.com/2019/02/organizing-extra-information-in-your-resume/#respondSun, 17 Feb 2019 10:30:25 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=3131Your resume is a synopsis of your career, but in some cases, that synopsis needs to expand to include extra information in your resume that does not quite fit under the usual categories of Experience and Education. For example, you may have licenses and certifications; given presentations to business associations; written published articles; or had a major achievement outside of work.

You might want to organize that extra information by inserting a new heading into your resume (generally, after Education) such as:

Awards

Board Memberships

Certifications

Community Service

International Travel

Languages

Licenses

Presentations

Professional Affiliations

Publications

Training

If you are at a complete loss for a heading, try “Additional Information,” but the more specific you can be, the better. Also, carefully consider whether the extra information in your resume is aligned with your career goals. An Eagle Scout award received by a new graduate in 2019 carries more weight than an Eagle Scout award received decades earlier by someone well into their career. International travel and language skills may have no relevance at all for a career path that is strictly within the United States.

On the other hand, some achievements, such as certifications and licenses, may be so important that they should also be mentioned in your opening profile on page 1. If you are applying for a position on a Board of Directors, then a list of your current Board Memberships may be more important than work experience and should come directly after the profile. The first consideration is the position you are aiming for—that should guide your decision about whether and where to place extra information in your resume.

At Robin’s Resumes®, we help job seekers at every stage of their career make important decisions about the length, content, and organization of their resume to gain maximum traction for their job search. Please contact us today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2019/02/organizing-extra-information-in-your-resume/feed/0R-E-S-U-M-E, Resume!https://robinresumes.com/2019/02/r-e-s-u-m-e-resume/
https://robinresumes.com/2019/02/r-e-s-u-m-e-resume/#respondSun, 10 Feb 2019 10:25:10 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=3129One Valentine’s Day tradition is to spell out a partner’s name and use each letter to assign a loving trait to the partner (for example, E-V-E stands for Eager, Virtuous, Excellent).

Okay, it is silly, but today I want to see how that Valentine’s tradition works out for resumes.

R stands for respectful—enough respect for yourself to tell the truth on your resume and enough respect for the job you are applying for to make sure you have the skills, education, and accomplishments that the employer is looking for.

E stands for energized—a commitment to the job search that begins with the brag book you are keeping right now (yes?) to track your accomplishments before you forget them. It is also the energy to continue sending out resumes even if you think a job offer is certain; you never know what will happen between a stellar interview and a written job offer.

S stands for strategic—you need to know the position, industry, and company you are targeting so that your resume is strategically focused and you are prepared to ask intelligent questions (and give intelligent answers) during the interview.

U stands for uniform—the format, message, spelling, and grammar of your resume must be uniform from start to finish. If you change from bold headings to italic, if you waffle between a leadership and staff position, if you spell startup in one place and start-up in another, and if you randomly leave off periods at the ends of sentences, you are showing inconsistencies and a lack of attention that may undermine your resume.

M stands for modern—today’s hiring managers and recruiters often see a resume only after it is chosen by an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). You must have a resume that is formatted and written to satisfy the ATS—and consider having a separate resume for networking for jobs. You must also be aware of social media. Hiring managers and recruiters will look online to catch any discrepancies with the professional image your resume presents. In fact, many hiring managers and recruiters will search for candidates online before a resume ever hits their desk. The vast majority will research you online and conduct an extensive background search before they officially hire you.

E stands for engaging—your resume should be written in everyday English, with active verbs and clearly explained accomplishments that keep the interest of hiring managers and recruiters. Avoid too many acronyms and make sure that technical information is described in the context of accomplishments so that even nontechnical readers get a sense of your strengths. Be as specific as possible: “ranked 3 out of 44 salespeople” is more memorable than “top rated salesperson.”

Is your resume respectful, energized, strategic, uniform, modern, and engaging? I help job seekers every day to reach those goals for their resumes. Contact me today—and happy Valentine’s Day!

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2019/02/r-e-s-u-m-e-resume/feed/0The Value of a Job Seeking Holidayhttps://robinresumes.com/2019/02/the-value-of-a-job-seeking-holiday/
https://robinresumes.com/2019/02/the-value-of-a-job-seeking-holiday/#respondSun, 03 Feb 2019 10:48:20 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=3126Looking for a job is difficult, whether you are employed or not. You may be pressured by personal finances, family, and friends; you may be frustrated by a company’s slow decision making or the lack of any response to your resumes or interviews.

Time for a break.

Take 24 hours to forget about your job search completely, and when the 24 hours are over, consider whether the following shifts in your methodology and outlook might help:

Change your networking method. If you have been mainly connecting with people online, try face-to-face; if face-to-face, try online. Sometimes simply breaking a pattern refreshes a job search.

Broaden your search. Look at the jobs you are applying for and consider whether you have limited yourself to a certain job title, industry, or even geographic area. If your limits are too tight, you may be shutting yourself out of jobs you are qualified for and would enjoy.

Thank someone. Thank a hiring manager or recruiter in your cover email for considering your application; thank interviewers for their time; thank the people you network with for their interest and conversation; thank your family/friends/associates for their patience and suggestions. A “thank you” creates stronger bonds.

Take a fresh look at your resume. Is it targeted for the job you want? Is it specific about what you have accomplished in the past? Did you proofread it? (Do not rely solely on online spelling and grammar checkers; they miss and often randomly change important words.) Is it simply but professionally formatted?

Ask for professional help. You may need a consult with a certified career transition coach; you may need the insight of a professional resume writer. Asking for help could save you from weeks of unemployment or unhappiness in your current job.

At Robin’s Resumes®, we are prepared to help you find a new outlook and renewed momentum during your job search. Contact us today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2019/02/the-value-of-a-job-seeking-holiday/feed/0Resume Q&A: What Can You Do for Me?https://robinresumes.com/2019/01/resume-qa-what-can-you-do-for-me/
https://robinresumes.com/2019/01/resume-qa-what-can-you-do-for-me/#respondSun, 27 Jan 2019 10:50:26 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=3107Q. I’m seriously considering hiring a professional resume writer. I know you have excellent credentials and experience in the field. But why should I let any professional write my resume?

A. Usually, a job seeker is so frustrated by lack of response to an old resume that credentialed and experienced professional resume writers do not have to sell themselves at all. The chief problem I usually find with a resume is a lack of focus—it is not clear what job the applicant is applying for or why they are the best candidate. Sometimes a format is simply not compatible with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) which are very picky about what they will and will not accept in a resume; the resume is discarded by the ATS before the hiring manager or recruiter gets a chance to see it.

In addition, I offer these four advantages as a professional resume writer:

I will organize and write your resume to make the best of yourqualifications. The great philosophers tell us to know ourselves. Knowing yourself is hard enough, but job seekers also need to know hiring managers and recruiters. What are hiring managers and recruiters expecting in a resume? What experiences in your career are most important to emphasize, which ones are you overlooking, and which ones can safely be left to the interview or ignored?

As a certified job and career transition coach (JCTC) and a master career director (MCD), I have the objectivity to bring your career goals, marketplace realities, and your resume into alignment. I can offer you suggestions that may boost your career and your resume to the next level.

I pay attention to the details that may have slipped your notice, like the proper use of apostrophes (its or it’s), the correct abbreviations for states and regions (CA, not Cal.), and the right choice of words that confuse many people (effected,affected). I make sure your contact information is easy to understand and that you have left off archaic information (references on request) or information that you legally should not supply (marital status).

Most importantly, I give you confidence. A well-written, tightly focused, interesting resume not only attracts the attention of hiring managers and recruiters, it also prepares you to handle interviews with assurance.

Are you still on the fence about hiring a professional resume writer? Contact me today and let’s talk.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2019/01/resume-qa-what-can-you-do-for-me/feed/0Highlight Innovation on Your Resumehttps://robinresumes.com/2019/01/highlight-innovation-on-your-resume/
https://robinresumes.com/2019/01/highlight-innovation-on-your-resume/#respondSun, 20 Jan 2019 10:45:55 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=3111Among the skills that companies cherish these days is the ability to innovate. Most of us are innovators on some level, but we may not recognize our own abilities. We downplay the contribution we make with suggestions or actions that improve our own or others’ work. Yet, any fresh idea that creates a more efficient, cost-effective, easier, or collaborative workplace is an innovation.Here are a few keywords and key phrases that will help you write about your contribution as the innovation that it truly is:

Initiated [a program, process, collaboration, or event]

Re-organized [a team, documents, business unit]

Wrote [a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), the first user manual, a new brochure]

Opened up [a new market, a new facility]

Created [a technique, a campaign, a way to…]

Recognized [an opportunity to…]

Introduced [Lean manufacturing, for example]

Predicted [a consumer trend]

Developed [a product, a relationship, a new source for…]

Innovation takes many forms. Lean manufacturing, for example, has been around for years. But if you are the first to introduce it to your company, then you are an innovator. Your company may have been selling the same product for decades; but if you are the one who opened up a new revenue stream, you are an innovator.

Maybe all your innovations have been directed toward making your own work more efficient. Someone once said that if necessity is the mother of invention, laziness is the father. Many creations have their start in someone wanting an easier life; never downplay an innovation because of its roots.

Finally, many innovations build on the work of others. When you modify an existing product, re-organize an existing team, or develop an existing relationship to make it more profitable, you are innovating. No one else saw or grabbed that opportunity. You did.

At Robin’s Resumes®, we appreciate innovation and know howto write about it. Contact us today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2019/01/highlight-innovation-on-your-resume/feed/0By the Numbers: Why Professional Resumes and Profiles Are Essentialhttps://robinresumes.com/2019/01/by-the-numbers-why-professional-resumes-and-profiles-are-essential/
https://robinresumes.com/2019/01/by-the-numbers-why-professional-resumes-and-profiles-are-essential/#respondSun, 13 Jan 2019 11:00:34 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=3104Today I thought I would share some interesting statistics about job searches. The following statistics come from a variety of sources, including Glassdoor, Jobvite, and CareerBuilder.

While Jobvite lists career sites (27%) and job boards (19%) as the most frequently used source for applicants, that leaves over half of recruiters and hiring managers using other sources, such as referrals, internal hires, and agencies. Do not make the mistake of thinking that a savvy, immediate boss will be the one reading your resume—instead, prepare your resume so that anyone, including an Applicant Tracking System (ATS), can understand the value you bring to a company.

An ATS will discard well over 50% of the resumes it processes. The ATS searches for keywords and selects the resumes where they appear for further review by hiring managers and recruiters. You should study job postings and advertisements carefully for keywords—skills and knowledge the company is looking for—and use those words honestly in your resume.

Online sites have a strong influence on hiring. Most hiring managers and recruiters (73%-87%, depending on the site) have searched social media for candidates; and almost all candidates (over 79%) use social media to search for jobs. To stay ahead of the competition and attract hiring managers and recruiters, you should strengthen your LinkedIn and other professional profiles and keep your posts on sites like Facebook and Instagram strictly professional.

According to CareerBuilder, 41% of employers use text messages to schedule an interview. Make sure your contact information is clear, professional, and correct. A small error in your email address—or the inability of a company to tell if you meant 1 or l (one or el), 0 or O (zero or oh) might mean you never hear from them. The best email address uses your full name.

According to the 2017 Jobvite Recruiting Funnel Benchmark Report, the time between recruiting and hiring and is tightening: down to 39 days from 43 days in 2015. So keep those resumes flowing even if you feel you have a great chance at a job. If you haven’t heard from a company in over a month, they have probably filled the position.

According to a council of Human Resource executives from Fortune 100 companies, you increase your chances of being hired by 80% if you have networked to the job. You must pass the ATS for these jobs since according to several sources, over 99% of jobs listed by Fortune 500 companies are screened by ATS systems. Those statistics all show the high value still placed on resumes and the importance of professional social media profiles.

My job as a professional resume writer is to make sure your resume and social media profiles are not only well-written but capable of rising to the top in any search by hiring managers, recruiters, or ATS. Contact me today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2019/01/by-the-numbers-why-professional-resumes-and-profiles-are-essential/feed/0New Goals vs. Old Resume: How to Align Themhttps://robinresumes.com/2019/01/new-goals-vs-old-resume-how-to-align-them/
https://robinresumes.com/2019/01/new-goals-vs-old-resume-how-to-align-them/#respondSun, 06 Jan 2019 10:52:36 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=3101Are you rethinking your career? You may find a looming gap between current career goals and your current resume. Many college graduates find themselves considering careers that do not align with their degree. People returning to the workforce after a break may find the skills that they acquired in the past are no longer relevant. Other job seekers may be deliberately seeking a new career path for any number of reasons; they might want to explore new interests, have better chances for advancement, or move to a place with fewer openings in their field.

Whatever your reason, there are several ways to handle that career/resume discrepancy on your resume and to prepare yourself for bridging the gap between where you are now and where you want to be.

Handling the Discrepancy on Your Resume

Hiring managers and recruiters do insist on a certain level of skill for most positions, but they are also interested in how skills are used. Review your past career to find transferable skills. These skills may be soft skills (such as leadership or communication) or hard skills (such as data analysis or sales). Then show how you used those skills to benefit employers. Within certain boundaries, it doesn’t matter if you sell shoes or cosmetics; great sales skills are always appreciated.

You should also consider organizing your resume so that you show your most relevant experience first, regardless of date. You could, for example, begin with a section titled “Relevant Experience” or “Career Highlights” before you offer a chronology. You could divide your career into two parts, listing non-relevant jobs under “Other Experience.”

Bridging the Gap to Where You Want to Be

If you see a career transition in your future, start preparing now to make yourself more marketable. Compare advertisements and job postings to see what top three or four qualifications appear over and over again; concentrate on meeting those specific qualifications. Read carefully, without regard to the job title. You may find that your ideal job (or one close to it) is available but not under the title you expected.

Take courses in your chosen field, volunteer those rusty skills to sharpen them, and work freelance, contract, or part-time jobs in the industry you are targeting to acquire current and relevant experience.

Attend networking events and gatherings where you will meet people who already work in your goal career. Even if they do not know about current openings, they can help you gain insight into what will make you more appealing to hiring managers and recruiters. When you are transitioning your career, you may want to talk to a career and transition specialist or a professional resume writer. I am qualified in both fields. Please contact me today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2019/01/new-goals-vs-old-resume-how-to-align-them/feed/0Proving Your Soft Skills on Your Resumehttps://robinresumes.com/2018/12/proving-your-soft-skills-on-your-resume/
https://robinresumes.com/2018/12/proving-your-soft-skills-on-your-resume/#respondSun, 30 Dec 2018 11:08:45 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=3080In an earlier blog post this month, I mentioned the need for hard facts in describing your career. But how do you provide hard facts about soft skills? Soft skills include relationship building, communications, problem-solving, team building, leadership, and change management, among others. Those soft skills are valuable in any field and at every level of an organization.

How does your resume prove that you have valuable soft skills?

The most important proof occurs when you give examples and details from previous positions and experiences. For example, did you work in a team that crossed functions or geographies? What was the size of the team and what did it accomplish? Did you contribute to customer satisfaction by figuring out a way to measure it or building a website that attracted more customers or solving a customer problem face-to-face?

Your soft skills are evident when you show that youovercame obstacles such as continuing to work through a merger or change in leadership. Any workplace change automatically requires such soft skills as adaptability and flexibility. You might have faced specific obstacles, as when you needed to merge two departments or convince an executive team to move the company in a certain direction or train a sales team to close more sales.

Another way to demonstrate soft skills is to show your ability toinnovate with new products, processes, or procedures. Make sure you share the results of your innovation in terms of time savings, reduced costs, increased revenue, or productivity. Innovation is a sign of creative thinking, but companies also want to know that it added value.

As indicated throughout this post, the best way to describe soft skills is by providing specifics. Calling yourself a “team player” is fine—but what did you do and what did you achieve that demonstrates that ability? Saying you have “great communication skills” means a lot more if you gave presentations, wrote reports, or interacted with others to reach a goal.

If you have problems determining and writing about your soft skills, please contact Robin’s Resumes®. You want to make sure your resume gives you justice.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2018/12/proving-your-soft-skills-on-your-resume/feed/0Bad Santa’s Advice for Writing Your Resumehttps://robinresumes.com/2018/12/bad-santas-advice-for-writing-your-resume/
https://robinresumes.com/2018/12/bad-santas-advice-for-writing-your-resume/#respondSun, 23 Dec 2018 11:01:31 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=3078I am continually astounded at the bad resume advice handed out by the “bad Santas”: resume writers who have no professional credentials or well-meaning friends and family.

Bad Santa Advice from Resume Writers

Many so-called resume writers, without credentials, training, or professional affiliations, will give you bad advice, like telling you to alter facts on your resume. For example, they will encourage you to simply forget about a short-term position or period of unemployment and modify dates to cover the gap. They will tell you to say you have skills that you do not have rather than be upfront about skills you are willing to get. They will tell you to lie to make yourself more attractive.

These clueless helpers will also tell you that you need to keep your resume to one page—regardless of your years of experience and achievements—and that cover letters or emails are no longer necessary. They advocate unusual formats as though the format will impress hiring managers more than the content. They ignore applicant tracking systems which have difficulty with unusual formats, even though most large companies today use an ATS.

Their bad advice can lead to your being fired for lying or to your resume being suppressed by the applicant tracking system before you even begin.

Bad Santa Advice from Family and Friends

Some bad resume advice comes from family and friends who have your best interests at heart, but do not understand the current job seeking environment. They will tell you to be more modest or more boastful than your achievements warrant. They will tell you to add words like “hard working,” “loyal,” and “interested in furthering my career,” which take up space that could be used to quantify your achievements.

The absolutely worst advice these good-hearted people can give you is to write your own resume because no one knows you as well as you. The truth is that most job seekers find it difficult to assume the viewpoint of recruiters and hiring managers; and yet a resume has to appeal to that audience, not best friends or relations or to the job seeker’s own internal critic. Over and over again, I have worked with job applicants who overlook the basics of stellar resume writing: clear, concise, accurate, and focused. Instead they come up with a generic resume that describes their past more or less but has absolutely no chance of getting them the job they want now.

Good Advice from Robin’s Resumes®

To avoid the Bad Santas, whether unprofessional resume writers or your well-meaning support system, research carefully to find a professional resume writer with credentials, experience, and references. You will find all three on my website. I look forward to hearing from you.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2018/12/bad-santas-advice-for-writing-your-resume/feed/0Hard Facts in Resumeshttps://robinresumes.com/2018/12/hard-facts-in-resumes/
https://robinresumes.com/2018/12/hard-facts-in-resumes/#respondSun, 16 Dec 2018 10:55:25 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=3076You have probably searched on line for a product or service and been hit with phrases like “fast delivery” or “best in class service” or “competitive rates.” Those phrases give you very little information when you are searching for anything from pizza delivery to an airline flight. What you want are hard facts: how fast, what range of service, at what cost?

Rely on Facts, Not Adjectives

Unfortunately, many resumes rely on generic adjectives and adverbs rather than hard facts. Hiring managers and recruiters are tired of hearing about the “top-rated, proactive salesperson with incredible close rate.” They are looking for solid facts like “ranked 4 out of 30 salespeople, exceeding sales quota by 5% year-over-year.” Not only do those facts reassure them that this person has the skills they need, but the details make the person stand out: how many applicants can equal those specific claims?

The facts you provide do not have to be dramatic. Maybe they include the size of the company you worked for, the size of the team you participated in or led, your selection as employee of the month (even if it was only once), or your ability to increase customer satisfaction scores a small percentage. Yes, multiple Presidents Club awards are impressive but all achievements are memorable if they are backed up by facts.

Provide the Facts That Companies Actually Want

Most job postings and advertisements include specific information about desirable skills, experience, and education. Be sure to include that those facts in your resume if they align with your experience, skill set, and education.

Hard facts do have one limitation: If you are in a technical field, it is important that you show your resume to a nontechnical person before you load it with details that only professionals understand. Your resume has to be clear and interesting to hiring managers and recruiters who may lack the technical or industry background you have.

Put Your Facts in Context

Always remember to put your facts—technical or not—in the context of achievements: your knowledge is important but how have you used it to benefit the companies you work for? That context will make the information easier to understand.

Finally, the hard facts that you provide in your resume should be backed up by the information that appears on your online profile(s) and by the information you provide during the interview. If there is any disparity or uncertainty, hiring managers and recruiters will question it. Make sure your facts, from your college degree to the amount of revenue you generated, can be backed up.

As a professional resume writer, I can help you find the hard facts that will make you and your resume stand out. Contact me today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2018/12/hard-facts-in-resumes/feed/0Resumes for Project Managershttps://robinresumes.com/2018/12/resumes-for-project-managers/
https://robinresumes.com/2018/12/resumes-for-project-managers/#commentsSun, 09 Dec 2018 10:52:10 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=3074Project managers lead the planning, documentation, execution, and close of a project that might span multiple functions, business units, and geographies. If you are a project manager or considering a career in project management, your resume should focus on the following facts:

Your experience as a team leader and your ability to interact with people from other areas. Few projects are self-contained and even fewer are led and executed by one person. Your ability to lead cross-functional and cross-geographic teams is important.

Your education and certifications. In addition to formal education (and many colleges offer a degree in project management), a certification from the Project Management Institute provides assurance that you are able to work with many different projects and employers. Your career may also benefit from certifications in techniques or programs such as lean manufacturing or agile management practices.

Specific achievements as a project manager or lead. You should be able to produce numbers: for example, hours saved; costs reduced; revenue generated; and size of budgets controlled. Part of a project manager’s job is to forecast and track numbers. You should share the problems you were facing, and what it took to overcome them. If you have been a long-time project manager, you may forget current information when you move on to a new project, so begin now to record it.

Technology you have handled. Most projects involve some form of technology, whether for documenting the project itself or for solving a business problem (for example, implementing Customer Relationship Management or Salesforce software). Your credentials in using or implementing software are important.

Evidence of analytical and communication skills. Because you are solving business problems, you must be able to analyze the situation and the best solution, given the resources available. You may need to convince others that your analysis is correct and you will certainly need to communicate any positive or negative results along the way.

Project management is an excellent career, with opportunities in many industries. You want your resume to be focused enough to appeal to the companies where you are applying and broad enough to show your expertise to advantage. Contact Robin’s Resumes® today for a resume that will accomplish both those goals.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2018/12/resumes-for-project-managers/feed/2Resume Q&A: LinkedIn Profile vs. Resumehttps://robinresumes.com/2018/12/resume-qa-linkedin-profile-vs-resume/
https://robinresumes.com/2018/12/resume-qa-linkedin-profile-vs-resume/#respondSun, 02 Dec 2018 10:47:06 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=3072Q. Everything on my resume is on my LinkedIn profile. I don’t understand why I even need a resume. I think companies should just ask for an email expressing interest with a link to your LinkedIn profile or online portfolio—why bother with a separate resume? It is so old-school.

A. Maybe in the future job applications will be handled the way you suggest: everyone will simply look online. But right now there are three major reasons why companies have not discarded resumes.

One is the simple fact that all of us still print out important information. The “paperless society” never took root, and that is unlikely to change in the immediate future.

The second reason is that resumes create a “standard template” that ensures every applicant supplies the same essential facts, from contact information to previous positions to education.

The third, related reason is that most companies now rely on applicant tracking systems (ATS), in which all resumes are loaded for comparative analysis. There is no equivalent automated method for gathering up individual online resumes from LinkedIn, Pinterest, Indeed, or private sites and then comparing them.

Think ofyour LinkedIn (or other online) profile and your resume as separate but equal documents. Instead of making them completely identical, use your LinkedIn profile to expand on information that might not fit in your resume; for example, use “Projects” under the Accomplishments tab to give more detail about specific projects or accomplishments. You can list up to 50 skills on LinkedIn—excellent for keyword searches although far too many for a resume. More important, LinkedIn encourages your peers and clients to give you endorsements for those skills. Finally, LinkedIn allows for multiple recommendations at length, something that would weigh down your resume.

You can also use your LinkedIn profile to show more of your own professional personality. For example, in my own LinkedIn profile, I go into the history of Robin’s Resumes®, something I would not do on a formal resume or job application.

Precisely because your resume and LinkedIn profile are different in some ways, you should make sure they are equally professional, clear, concise, and focused on the job you want. If your resume gives one impression and your LinkedIn profile gives another, hiring managers and recruiters will be confused and less likely to trust either version.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2018/12/resume-qa-linkedin-profile-vs-resume/feed/0What to Do If Your Job Search Has Stalledhttps://robinresumes.com/2018/11/what-to-do-if-your-job-search-has-stalled/
https://robinresumes.com/2018/11/what-to-do-if-your-job-search-has-stalled/#respondSun, 25 Nov 2018 10:55:09 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=3063As a certified career coach, I can recommend many job hunting strategies that will complement your resume and increase your chances of finding that perfect job. I recommend a balanced set of job search techniques; if there is one you have not tried, now is your chance to charge up your job search.

Search Online vs. Networking In-Person

Both online job searches and in-person networking are essential. Online, make sure your LinkedIn and other profiles and all your social media accounts are professional. For the time being, either make your social media accounts private or wash them clean of anything that might undermine your professional image.

At the same time, network in person: Get yourself out among people, spreading the word about your job hunt and letting them see what a great employee you would make. Talk to family, friends and former colleagues; attend business networking events and expos; and always remember to open a conversation by finding out about the other person first. You are not out to harangue people but to see if there they have (or know of) a business problem you can solve.

Keep Working in Your Field vs. Broadening Your Skills When Unemployed

If you are out of work right now, you might want to take on freelance and consultant opportunities that could become job offers. But at least you are bringing in income and keeping your skills sharp and building contacts. However, if finding freelance work is not an option, you have the time now to also take professional courses or to volunteer for organizations that can use or expand your skills. The more value you bring to a company, the happier they will be to interview you.

Stick with Your Current Resume vs. Building a New Resume

If your current resume is bringing you an invitation to interviews, there may be no need to re-write it. The problem may rest with your interviews. Make sure that your interview skills support your resume; if you flounder when describing previous accomplishments, the hiring manager or recruiter will begin to doubt you.

However, if you are not getting to the interview stage, you should consider hiring a professional resume writer to rewrite your resume. Maybe it is not targeted enough to your chosen position or industry. Maybe it is too repetitive, vague, long, short, quirky, or dull. The objective, informed opinion of a professional resume writer and career coach will help set you and your resume on track.

Do you need help upgrading your resume or with any other aspect of your job search? Contact Robin’s Resumes® and let a professional resume writer help.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2018/11/what-to-do-if-your-job-search-has-stalled/feed/0Education on Your Resumehttps://robinresumes.com/2018/11/education-on-your-resume/
https://robinresumes.com/2018/11/education-on-your-resume/#respondSun, 18 Nov 2018 10:49:49 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=3061You should include an Education section on your resume but how detailed should it be?

Graduation Years/GPA

If you are a recent college or high school graduate or a rising senior, then you should include your graduation year; if you have recently graduated with a high GPA (say, over 3.5), include the GPA if you want to. For everyone else, the year and GPA are not needed.

If you graduated with a high school degree years ago, your work history is now more important than information about your high school. However, if you did not attend college, you should still list your high school. If you have attended or graduated from college, in most cases, do not list your high school. There are exceptions, and you may want to speak to a resume professional to discuss if you are confused.

If you graduated or attended college years ago, you still should list the name and location of the college(s), the degree(s) (A.A., B.S., MBA), and your specialization (“B.A. in business communications”) but omit any high school information entirely.

Specific Courses

Here, again, the closer you are to graduation and the less work experience you have in your field, the more important it is to mention the courses you have taken that apply to the position you want.

The further from graduation and the more work experience you have, the more you should concentrate on work, as opposed to academic, accomplishments.

There are two exceptions:

If you did not achieve a degree but took courses toward a degree, you may want to briefly mention those courses or at least state that you have “30 credits toward an A.A.”

If you have taken professional courses (for example, in lean manufacturing) or been selected for training by a company you worked for (for example, management training), that information should be on your resume. The knowledge you bring into a company is invaluable.

Honors

Your college or high school career might have included volunteer, sports, or other activities that you are proud of. Be careful about listing them unless they have some bearing on the work you want to do. For example, if you want to enter the nonprofit world and you raised significant funds at an event at your school, you may want to include that achievement in your resume. Also, if you are a recent graduate, you should include your volunteer work. Many employers look for volunteer experience when they hire students for their first jobs.

If you worked your way through high school or college, received a prestigious scholarship, or were selected out of many students for an opportunity, that information may be relevant in showing your determination and the high regard in which others hold you. Just be careful of holding on to high school or college honors too long: resume space is limited, and you want to leave room for your most current and relevant accomplishments.

Attended College and Did Not Graduate

List any college experience on your resume. Even if you did not complete your degree, the courses you took gained you valuable knowledge and experience which will be useful for employers. Also, there are ways to list this type of college experience on a resume that can help you get through barriers such as initial Applicant Tracking System (ATS) scoring scans. Robin’s Resumes® understands these strategies and can help you with them.

At Robin’s Resumes®, we write Education sections that bolster a candidate’s appeal. Contact us today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2018/11/education-on-your-resume/feed/0Civilian Resumes for Veteranshttps://robinresumes.com/2018/11/civilian-resumes-for-veterans/
https://robinresumes.com/2018/11/civilian-resumes-for-veterans/#respondSun, 11 Nov 2018 10:46:00 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=3058Earlier this year I had a question from a former member of the military asking how to translate military experience into a civilian resume. In honor of Veterans Day, I’d like to expand on some of the advice I gave that correspondent. Here are a few of the most important considerations if you are a veteran looking for a civilian job:

Know what job/industry you are interested in. The military assigns you where they want you; civilian companies expect you to tell them where you fit.

Military abbreviations and jargon are hard for civilians to understand. Keep acronyms to a minimum and spell them out first. You also may want to use a non-military equivalent.

Numbers are as important in civilian life as in military life. Maybe you supported 1,000 troops with your supply chain skills; trained 300 individuals; or kept a 30-vehicle motor pool humming—all those numbers are easy for civilians to grasp.

When relaying your experience in your civilian resume, concentrate on the common denominators between the military and civilian careers. In both environments, people value individuals who communicate clearly, are able to work with all levels of the organization, have leadership skills, and have demonstrated concern with efficiency, productivity, and cost control.

Focus on results. Companies are less interested in how you saved $5,000 or organized the transfer of 400 troops than in the fact that you did it. Even if military procedures have no equivalent in civilian life, the results definitely resonate.

Focus on the numbers, experiences, and results that are most in line with the position you are applying for. Your resume does not have to include everything you accomplished during your military career, only those accomplishments that relate to the job you want.

Person-to-person networking is just as important as filling out forms online. Make sure of local veteran resources and also attend the Chamber of Commerce and other business groups to get a handle on what businesses are looking for and to sharpen your networking skills.

In many cases, your security clearance, overseas experience, ability to work with diverse or remote teams, and quickness of advancement will generate interest in civilian employers. Make sure you mention any awards or special recognition you received.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2018/11/civilian-resumes-for-veterans/feed/0The Perfect Graduation Gift: A Professional Resumehttps://robinresumes.com/2018/11/the-perfect-graduation-gift-a-professional-resume/
https://robinresumes.com/2018/11/the-perfect-graduation-gift-a-professional-resume/#respondSun, 04 Nov 2018 10:39:10 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=3056If you are coming up to graduation in the next year and plan on starting your working career immediately, you may want to ask generous family or friends for the gift of a professionally written resume. If you ask now, your resume will be ready to send out early in the year, so that your career can start as soon as possible after graduation.

Why is a professional resume so important?

You are facing the huge transition of moving from high school or college to career. You may feel underprepared, over-prepared, or simply overwhelmed. Unlike family, friends, and even teachers, a professional resume writer will give you an objective but experienced viewpoint, as well as freeing you from yet another end-of-school burden.

You have just spent years trying to figure out what you want to do in life and maybe have come to the conclusion that you still do not know. It is hard to write a resume when you are not sure what career you are aiming at. As a Certified Job and Career Transition Coach and Master Career Director, I can help you focus in on your career objectives—a very necessary part of writing a resume. I also probably know more about potential careers that might match your skills and education, having written thousands of resumes in different fields.

Unless you are a professional writer, you may find that the mechanics of writing and formatting a resume are daunting. If you are a college graduate, your college’s career departments will help you, but their focus is on preparing a resume suitable for businesses that come to campus to recruit. The resume you need for the wider world is quite different, and you may not have the skills or confidence to write it.

As a new graduate, you may not realize how to make the most of the experiences, education, and skills you already have. Family, teachers, and friends may not realize how today’s job market operates and where a resume fits in. A professional resume writer knows what hiring managers and recruiters are looking for and how they want it presented.

I have helped new graduates move into many professions, in both technical and nontechnical industries, with for-profits and nonprofits. When family and friends ask what gift you would most like for your graduation, please send them to my website. I look forward to working with you.

A young man applied for a job interview as a graphic designer for a consulting firm in the gas and oil industry. His resume included a link to his portfolio—which consisted of lovely pictures of nudes and landscapes. If you are providing a portfolio, make sure it is aligned with the goals and customers of the company.

Resume Horror #2: Nonexistent Links

A woman with lots of experience was applying for a job as a copyeditor. Her resume included links to previous online projects, but some of them were so old that they no longer worked. If you provide links, limit them to the most relevant and recent, and make absolutely sure they are working.

Resume Horror #3: Ego First

Enthusiasm is a great quality, but one job applicant for a leadership role took it a little too far by spending most of his resume boasting about his success as a marathoner. While companies want to know you are well rounded and determined, they also appreciate restraint. Plus resume space is limited; you should use most of it to show that you have the skills, education, and experience the company specified in their job posting.

Resume Horror #4. Detail Overload

Yes, the old rule demanding a one-page resume is out the door. But one executive assistant decided that allowed her to detail every task she performed over the past 10 years—creating a highly repetitive resume of four pages. If you are going to send someone a four-page resume, make sure you have the interesting content to justify it and that you are as concise as you possibly can be.

Resume Horror #5. Where and When did you Work?

The applicant updated his old resume but forgot to change the verb tense (from present to past) for his older job in Florida. Even worse, he failed to change the employment dates of the Florida job. The resume seemed to say he was holding down two full-time jobs at once—the old one in Florida (“2005 to Present”) that he actually left in 2010 and the current one in Illinois (“2010 to Present”).

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2018/10/resume-horror-stories/feed/0Words That Cause Resume Problemshttps://robinresumes.com/2018/10/words-that-cause-resume-problems/
https://robinresumes.com/2018/10/words-that-cause-resume-problems/#respondSun, 21 Oct 2018 10:35:45 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=3043The English language is filled with words that sound and look almost the same but have quite different meanings. Here are a few you want to watch out for.

Prospective means “happening in the future.” Perspective means “a point of view.” So you are most likely to have a new perspective on a company’s problems—not a prospective.

Compliment means “a polite expression of admiration or praise.” Complement means “something that completes or brings to perfection.” So you are most likely to add skills that complement ones you already have—not compliment.

Insure, assure, and ensure overlap in certain meanings. But most people use insure in the sense of “providing compensation after damage”; assure in the sense of “telling someone something positive to dispel their doubts”; and ensure in the sense of “making certain something will happen.” So you are most likely to ensure that the right people are chosen for a team—not insure or assure.

Forward means “toward the front.” Foreword means “a short introduction to a book.” So you are most likely to move a company’s goals forward—not foreword (“foreward” is simply wrong).

SaaS, IoT, iOS, IaaS—be very careful when using technical abbreviations like these. saas, iOT, IoS, and IAS are wrong or mean something else entirely. Define each abbreviation or acronym first – using both the acronym and spelled out version helps with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and being found in searches.

Principle means “a rule of action or conduct.” Principal means “most important or influential.” So if you are talking about the leader of a firm or school, you want principal. Principal is also the right word for discussing the principal of a loan. If you are talking about the way you approach a job or situation, then you act in accordance with your principles.

APAC, APJ, APSG, CALA, CEMA, EMEA, IMEA, SEMEA, and similar abbreviations for worldwide regions have very distinct meanings. Make sure you are using the right acronym and always define it first.

Corps means “a subdivision in the army.” Corpse means “a dead body.” Corp. is the abbreviation for “corporation.” So you are most likely to talk about Samsung C&T Corp. or the US Marine Corps—not Samsung C&T Corpse or US Marine Corp.

Many people find themselves mixing up similar sounding words and acronyms in English. Part of my job as a professional resume writer is to make sure the right word or acronym is in the right place. Contact me today for help with your resume.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2018/10/words-that-cause-resume-problems/feed/0Resume Q&A: Talking about Bad Work Experienceshttps://robinresumes.com/2018/10/resume-qa-talking-about-bad-work-experiences/
https://robinresumes.com/2018/10/resume-qa-talking-about-bad-work-experiences/#respondSun, 14 Oct 2018 09:31:04 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=3041Q. I know you should not say negative things about your managers or your old company when you are applying for a job. But how else can I mention these two bad work experiences on my resume? Right now, I want to leave my job because a new manager is basically forcing me out after I worked there for 5 years. I think he wants to hire a friend of his for the position and so he keeps complaining about me and ridiculing me. In my previous job, the company I worked for failed. Even though I accomplished good things, the company went out of business. There is no other way to say it. So what do I say on my resume?

A. You raise two interesting examples of bad work experiences. When I talk about removing negative information from a resume, I am concerned about a resume that is filled with “excuses” for poor results. You have good results despite bad experiences. Concentrate on what you accomplished; that is what hiring managers and recruiters really want to hear.

Let me take the first case, where a new manager is on your case. Your personal relationships at work have no bearing on your skills and accomplishments. Keep your resume focused on what you have accomplished during the best years you worked at the company. All that a recruiter or hiring manager needs to know is that you are ready to move on to new experiences; they do not need to know why. However, do not use that unpleasant manager as a reference! Most companies will not expect to interview your current manager. Either use a former manager as a reference or someone you work with closely who will give you a good review.

In the second case, the company went out of business. That is not your fault. Plenty of companies go out of business—in fact, I have worked for a few myself. Again, focus your resume on what you accomplished, not on the company’s failure. You might mention the failure if it involved a learning experience; for example, you helped search for funding or purchasers, or the failed company inspired you to launch your own business.

If you need help writing your resume after some bad work experiences, please contact me today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2018/10/resume-qa-talking-about-bad-work-experiences/feed/0Twenty Mistakes You Never Want to Make on a Resumehttps://robinresumes.com/2018/10/twenty-mistakes-you-never-want-to-make-on-a-resume/
https://robinresumes.com/2018/10/twenty-mistakes-you-never-want-to-make-on-a-resume/#respondSun, 07 Oct 2018 09:26:08 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=3039

Transposing numbers on or misspelling your contact information.

Misspelling the names of companies you used to work for (Bloomingdale’s, not Bloomingdales).

Changing the way you write location information for companies (New York or NY) or the way you write dates of employment (2000-2001 or 2000 to 2001; Oct. or October).

Forgetting to provide your contact information.

Lying.

Using the words “responsible for” over and over when there are much better, stronger verbs.

Showing large, unexplained gaps in your resume.

Giving equal space to an entry-level job you held 15 years ago and a management job you hold now.

Using an extremely small font to fit everything on one page.

Changing the format from page 1 to page 2 (for example, changing the types of bullets or the use of bolding).

Giving contact information for references or writing “references available upon request.”

Providing links on your resume that do not work (for example, to LinkedIn or your portfolio).

Letting compromising social media photos or comments remain online—and even worse, linking to them on your resume.

Describing an old job in the present tense.

Inflating your job title or responsibilities.

Forgetting to proofread. You should proofread every time you make a change to your resume.

Giving information that is not relevant to the job; for example, the only time you want to mention your politics is if you are applying for or held a position with a political group.

Listing accomplishments without any proof; for example, “superb sales person” instead of “sold 120% of national goal.”

Not having someone else proofread your resume.

Not seeking a professional to help you with your resume.

If any of these mistakes appear on your resume, contact Robin’s Resumes® and we will help you fix them.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2018/10/twenty-mistakes-you-never-want-to-make-on-a-resume/feed/0State and Local Government Resumes for New Lawyershttps://robinresumes.com/2018/09/state-and-local-government-resumes-for-new-lawyers/
https://robinresumes.com/2018/09/state-and-local-government-resumes-for-new-lawyers/#respondSun, 30 Sep 2018 09:36:51 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=3032Positions for lawyers are available in both the private, nonprofit, and public sectors. Once you decide to work in the public sector, for state or local government, you will need a resume that meets more stringent requirements than for private or nonprofit jobs, including firm deadlines for applying and details that might not be required for private sector positions.

Harvard Law School has written Careers in State and Local Government to help new lawyers narrow their choices. They advise, “If you are interested in immediate, hands-on responsibility, you should consider working in state and local government.” They also suggest applying for summer internships at the Attorney General’s office at the state level. On the local level, entry requirements can take three forms: entry-level positions are available in big city offices; smaller cities require prior legal experience, as well as local state bar admission; and some cities contract out their legal work to private law firms specializing in public sector law.

For state and local government resumes:

Highlight any connection you have with the locality—for example, growing up there.

Stress your interest in and commitment to public service, perhaps through volunteer positions.

List participation in moot court competitions; summer internships in state or local governments; and similar experiences.

List courses related to state and local government; for example, courses on urban planning or environmental issues.

Demonstrate a strong academic career (a high GPA and relevant coursework), with stellar verbal and written communication skills, especially research skills.

Indicate where you would like to serve; for larger states, you may need to indicate a preference for criminal, trial, child, civil enforcement, general counsel, or policy law.

Prepare a cover letter that emphasizes your qualifications in the relevant areas above.

As a new lawyer, you need to gather as much information as possible about the specific application requirements for the state or local governments where you are applying. In smaller cities, this research may require a personal phone call or visit. In any case, your government resumes must be honed to the exact—and exacting—requirements of each government office.

I bring years of experience in government resume writing, including resumes for folks seeking federal jobs. Please contact me today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2018/09/state-and-local-government-resumes-for-new-lawyers/feed/0Resume Q&A: Am I Lying on My Resume?https://robinresumes.com/2018/09/resume-qa-am-i-lying-on-my-resume/
https://robinresumes.com/2018/09/resume-qa-am-i-lying-on-my-resume/#respondSun, 23 Sep 2018 09:29:40 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=3030Q. I know you should never tell lies on a resume, but It never seems to me that I am telling the complete truth. It seems like I’m telling a lie if I simply summarize my early jobs or brag that I met my sales quota when I know that some people did even better or, worst of all, I ask someone else write my resume. Where do you draw the line between the truth and lying?

A. I applaud you for wanting to stick to the truth in your resume. But you should keep in mind that your resume is not a biography. It is a selection from your career history; and it is your story, not anyone else’s, told in the most efficient and powerful way possible.

Your resume is a tool. It shows employers that you have the skills, education, accomplishments, and potential that they are looking for. You are going to bore recruiters and hiring managers if you try to list everything you did in every job you ever held—that is information they do not want or need.

Let’s say you are applying for a job as a shoe salesperson. If early in your career, you worked as a gardener, you should mention that job; but if it has nothing to do with your ability to sell shoes, you do not need to give details. Your resume should always focus on what the hiring manager and recruiter need to know. You should find that information in the job posting or advertisement.

When you write that you recently sold 100 pairs of shoes in a week, you do not need to mention every brand or type of shoe unless the hiring manager or recruiter specifically asked for that information. You do not need to mention that someone else in your department sold 125 shoes; the important truth is that you accurately describe what you yourself accomplished.

Now let us tackle the question of whether people who use professional resume writers are lying. I write executive resumes all the time; if the executives of companies rely on professional resume writers, you can, too. This is a question of skill sets: you are not a professional resume writer. We always turn to professionals when we lack essential skills. For example, if you own a house, but hire a licensed electrician to rewire it, are you lying about owning the house? Of course not. If you have built a career, but you lack the skills to write about it fluently, hire a professional resume writer. The result is still your resume.

As a certified, professional resume writer and career coach, I can help create a resume that truly reflects who you are and the value you would bring to a future employer. And that’s no lie! Please contact me today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2018/09/resume-qa-am-i-lying-on-my-resume/feed/0Resumes for Support Staffhttps://robinresumes.com/2018/09/resumes-for-support-staff/
https://robinresumes.com/2018/09/resumes-for-support-staff/#respondSun, 16 Sep 2018 09:24:26 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=3028The words “support staff” have a wide meaning depending on the industry. Titles may vary from executive assistant to Computer-Aided Design (CAD) operator to clerk. Virtual assistants are also support staff, running their own businesses with multiple clients. Regardless of the title, when you are ready to apply for a support staff position, make sure your resume:

Stresses the value you added to the job. Most people who supply support go above and beyond their title and job description. Do not rely solely on your job description when describing what you do. Include those extras that you provided, whether you made your own job easier by automating tasks or made your boss’s job easier by drafting letters and reports.

Details your skills and how you used them. Your skills are an important part of what you do. Make sure your resume describes the way you used those skills to benefit the company. For example, instead of just stating that you know how to create Excel spreadsheets, provide a context where possible: “Enabled management to track individual sales against each quota for the monthly meeting by creating spreadsheets.”

Focuses on the requirements in the job posting. Your resume and cover letter should confirm that you can meet the requirements outlined in the job posting or advertisement for support staff. Whenever possible, use the exact words that appear in the job posting or advertisement to honestly describe yourself in both the resume and cover letter. This not only helps show you meet the job requirements, but it also adds the keywords needed to pass the Applicant Tracking System (ATS).

Gives specific examples. You may be tempted to regard your responsibilities as “only” answering the phone, taking notes, and filing. But not everyone can accomplish those tasks professionally, accurately, and efficiently. Your resume should include examples of how your skills made a difference or were acknowledged: “Helped 50 customers daily to quickly reach the right department for questions about the ABC product by listening to their concerns and providing clear answers.” “Received employee of the month award for prompt, courteous service.”

Shows how you grew in your job. Compile a brag book of times when you handled a particularly difficult internal or external request or learned something new. Those instances may find their way into your resume or may not. However, they serve as good reminders that you have grown in your job and now deserve a position that reflects that growth.

When you are searching for a new support staff position, look beyond the title of the position to see if you have the skills, education, and experience that the employer is looking for. Because support positions vary so widely, you should never discount a job simply because of the job title.

Robin’s Resumes® is here to help you create a resume that will open the eyes of recruiters and hiring managers to all the value you bring. Contact us today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2018/09/resumes-for-support-staff/feed/0Resume Q&A: My Job Search Is a Mess!https://robinresumes.com/2018/09/resume-qa-my-job-search-is-a-mess/
https://robinresumes.com/2018/09/resume-qa-my-job-search-is-a-mess/#respondSun, 09 Sep 2018 09:45:33 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=3026Q. My job search ought to be a success, but I am overwhelmed by the amount of information that I have to keep straight. The last time I had a request for an interview, I had no idea whom I was talking to or what the position was or even what I said on my customized resume and cover letter! I had to bluff my way through the phone call, and I am still hunting for the original job posting, so I have at least some information before the interview. This is not good. What can I do?

A. You are right: it is never good to answer a phone call or go into an interview completely clueless about the person you are speaking to, as well as the company, position, and job requirements. But fortunately, organizing a job search is straightforward. You will need three organization tools:

A place to store folders about each job you are pursuing. Each folder will contain a printed copy of the job posting, the resume and cover letter you sent in response, and any notes about that particular job. You can also keep this information in a binder with the details about each job stapled together. The important thing is to have one place where you know the information can be found and retrieved quickly when a company calls for an interview.

A single list including every company you applied to by company name and location, position, any identifier the company requested, contact information for the recruiter or hiring manager, and the date(s) of your contact(s) with the company (for example, date of first phone call, first interview, second phone call, second interview). You should update this list immediately after each contact and carry it with you always. That way, if you receive a phone call for an interview while you are relaxing at the beach, you will still be able to respond knowledgeably.

A calendar. You never want to double-book an interview. Make sure your calendar includes all your obligations for the day, hour by hour. If you are job hunting while still employed, many recruiters and hiring managers will accommodate interviews before or after hours or on the weekend. Do not assume you will remember the exact date and time or that the company will call to confirm: write it down and send you own email or letter to confirm as soon as possible.

With those three organization tools, you should never again have to panic when a potential employer calls. Good luck with your job search! If Robin’s Resumes® can help with resume writing or career coaching, please reach out to us.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2018/09/resume-qa-my-job-search-is-a-mess/feed/0Your Resume: 3 Important Lettershttps://robinresumes.com/2018/09/your-resume-3-important-letters/
https://robinresumes.com/2018/09/your-resume-3-important-letters/#respondSun, 02 Sep 2018 10:09:44 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=3024During your job search, you will need, not only a stellar resume but three important emails or letters.

The first is the cover letter or email that accompanies your resume when you send it out to recruiters and hiring managers. This letter must:

Clearly show your contact information—and that information should exactly match what is on your resume.

Identify the position you are applying for in the subject line (for an email) or in a separate Re: line on your letter.

Be only a few paragraphs long, focusing on major accomplishments and keywords of interest to that particular company—it is an intro to your resume, not a retelling.

Be professional in every respect; this is not the time for email emojis.

The second important email or letter is one that confirms appointments, such as on-site or phone interviews. You may receive an electronic confirmation form from the company concerning an appointment; make sure you reply to this form as requested. Otherwise, send a short (one or two sentence) email that confirms the date, time, and place of your appointment.

The third letter or email is the thank you, which should be sent to the hiring manager after an interview. This thank you should be addressed to the specific interviewer you saw and should obey all the rules for the cover letter. In addition:

Instead of reiterating your accomplishments, focus on the information you took from the interview. For example, “I understand that you are looking for a sales professional who will be able to help you penetrate the following consumer markets….”

Cover positive information about you that you discussed during the interview.

Clarify points where you may have been weak in the interview to overcome them.

Express your interest in pursuing the opportunity.

Thank the hiring manager (and any other interviewers) for their time. Consider sending a separate letter to each interviewer

At Robin’s Resumes®, we can help you formulate letters and emails as well as a resume that helps you to stand out from the crowd of applicants. Contact us today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2018/09/your-resume-3-important-letters/feed/0Proofread Resumes Online and in Printhttps://robinresumes.com/2018/08/proofreading-resumes-online-and-in-print/
https://robinresumes.com/2018/08/proofreading-resumes-online-and-in-print/#respondSun, 26 Aug 2018 09:58:28 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=3005On the computer, resumes always look good! When you proofread a resume on the computer, you inevitably miss some of the details—slight misalignments, dropped periods—that become perfectly clear in a print copy. Yet hiring managers and recruiters are very likely to print out a copy of your resume and they will notice those mistakes.

Some Problems with Online Resumes

What you see on the computer is not necessarily what you see on the printed copy of a resume. Colors vary from computer to computer and often look very different when printed in black and white. Many computers do not carry unusual fonts; when the hiring manager or recruiter’s computer is forced to make a substitution, the format goes wildly out of whack. Your eye travels over certain mistakes when looking at a resume on a computer—mistakes that you would catch if you proofread the printed copy.

What to Look for in Printed Resumes

You should print out and proofread the printed copy of your resume to find:

Missing or floating periods, which are hard to see on the computer (“is that a period or a mark on my computer screen?”)

Small fonts, which look fine on the computer (blown up to 150%!) but are impossible to read on paper

Colors that offer good contrast on the computer (for example, very light blue or gray) but fade away on white paper

Differences in spacing between paragraphs or bullets, especially on different pages

Unintended changes in the headline format; for example, EXPERIENCE is full caps while Education is upper and lower case

Extra spaces between words (remember, only one space is needed after a period)

Information that actually falls outside the margins of the page

Changes in links that only appear when you print—this is more common than you might think

Conclusion

Some of these items may feel like nitpicking; but when hiring managers and recruiters are overwhelmed with resumes, you do not want to give them an excuse to dismiss your resume because it shows inattention to detail. Moreover, some of these items may prevent hiring managers and recruiters from ever seeing your resume because it gets rejected by the applicant tracking system. You must proofread your resume both on the computer and as a printed copy.

For resumes that have the format and the content that hiring managers and recruiters are looking for, contact Robin’s Resumes® today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2018/08/proofreading-resumes-online-and-in-print/feed/0College Students: Combining Passion with Careerhttps://robinresumes.com/2018/08/college-students-combining-passion-with-career/
https://robinresumes.com/2018/08/college-students-combining-passion-with-career/#respondThu, 23 Aug 2018 09:59:55 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2999If you are a rising senior in college, you have probably heard a confusing chorus of “follow your passion” and “pay the bills.” It often seems as if a paying job is incompatible with a passion.

As a Master Career Director and a Job and Career Transition Coach (JCTC), one of my goals is to fill your resume with information that lets you progress in both your career and your passion. For example:

If your passion is cars and your degree is in finance, you might search for a financial position with an automotive company.

If your passion is writing and your degree is in engineering, you might become a sought-after technical writer.

If your passion is selling and your degree is in dentistry, you might consider starting a career based on selling medical or dental equipment or supplies.

If your passion and your major are in history, but you do not want to teach or enter politics, then be advised that many a history-making CEO started their career as a liberal arts major.

You may feel your degree and passion are at odds, but that is seldom true and does not “condemn” you to a life of unhappiness. If your resume emphasizes your skills, accomplishments, and education in both areas, you may find that the perfect job is within your reach. It helps to have credentials in your passion: even air guitarists have a championship season.

As you enter your senior year in college, I recommend that you begin searching online for careers that combine your passion and your major. There are far more career paths out there than you may be aware of. I also recommend that you begin a brag book for your achievements and milestones as a student, volunteer, or intern in both your career path and your passion. This brag book will form the backbone for developing your resume.

Many college students need help figuring out how to define their career, acknowledge their passion, and write a resume that will get them the job they truly want. If a Master Career Director, a Job and Career Transition Coach, and a professional resume writer will help, please contact me today. Let’s explore your opportunities together.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2018/08/college-students-combining-passion-with-career/feed/0Executive Resumes That Build Careershttps://robinresumes.com/2018/08/executive-resumes-that-build-careers/
https://robinresumes.com/2018/08/executive-resumes-that-build-careers/#commentsSun, 19 Aug 2018 09:48:15 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=3002Executives who are ready to move on to a new company or field are often qualified for such a wide range of roles that their resumes begin to go off-track. If you are among those executives, particularly if you anticipate moving into the C-suite, you must start out with a clear preference for your title (CEO, CIO, CMO, CXO, and so on) and the size of the company as well as an honest appraisal of what you liked or disliked about your previous roles.

Why are your preferences, likes, and dislikes important? You want to make it clear whether you are a leader of large teams, a recruiter and motivator of talent, a specialist in mergers and acquisitions, a globe-trotter who enjoys cross-cultural experiences, and so on. The right keywords and phrases in your resume will help ensure that the right opportunity emerges, one that matches both your talents and your comfort zone.

Why would companies believe that you are C-suite material? You will show them by using the context-challenge-action-result formula to demonstrate how you met challenges and delivered specific results—in terms of exact cost savings, profits, increased customers, increased market share, new products or other innovations, and improved efficiency/productivity.

How can you ensure that the right company sees your resume? First, you will research and identify companies that look like a good fit at this stage in your career. Second, you will make sure that your resume includes those details about your previous positions that align most strongly with the position you want. Your resume is a subset of your entire career, not a full biography, and that subset should all be directed toward your future.

What can you do to make sure the right person sees your resume? Here is where face-to-face networking and your online presence are all important. You are probably quite skilled at networking on your company’s behalf; now is the time to apply those skills to networking for your own C-suite career. If you do not have a professional profile on LinkedIn and similar sites, or if your profile is mostly an advertisement for your current company, now is the time to rewrite those profiles to improve how they meet your career goals. More and more companies are searching online for their next executive.

Robin’s Resumes® has created winning executive resumes for over 20 years. Please contact us today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2018/08/executive-resumes-that-build-careers/feed/15 Ways to Launch Your Job Search on Vacationhttps://robinresumes.com/2018/08/5-ways-to-launch-your-job-search-on-vacation/
https://robinresumes.com/2018/08/5-ways-to-launch-your-job-search-on-vacation/#respondSun, 05 Aug 2018 09:53:44 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2997August is a big month for vacations, and vacation weeks are a great time to start launching your job search. You have the freedom from your daily responsibilities and the different perspective that only a vacation brings.

So take a little time from relaxing to perform these top 5 tasks before launching your job search:

Set up a system for keeping track of the positions, companies, and individuals you apply to. This system can be paper or online based, but you should have easy access to it when you receive that phone call out of the blue asking you to interview for a job. You never want to start a conversation by asking “what company is this and what job opening are you talking about?”

Make sure your online pictures and profiles are all professional. Now is the time to clean up anything on your Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn profiles that could be detrimental to your professional image. If you do not have a recent professional photograph, set up an appointment with a photographer.

Make sure that, when people phone or email you, they will receive a professional response. Set up a non-work phone number and email address for your job search—you want to be free to speak with recruiters and hiring managers when they call, and you do not want some random “helpful” individual to respond in your stead at the wrong time. During your job search, make sure that the message on your cell phone or answering machine, your email address, and all of your communications with potential employers are professional.

Begin to research companies you are interested in. You should prepare yourself ahead of time with information about companies that have posted job opportunities. In addition, let’s say that you are an HR professional, for example, and notice that a local company is growing but does not have a full-time HR department. You can make a note to reach out to them to see if they are interested in your skills.

Make a to-do list. We all know how satisfying it is to cross an item off a to-do list. Summer vacation is the perfect opportunity to write down what you need to make your job search successful, from hiring a professional photographer and resume writer to networking once a week at a professional organization or calling a recruiter you worked with before to announce your availability.

When you are ready to start your job search, Robin’s Resumes® is ready with career coaching and resume writing. Contact us today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2018/08/5-ways-to-launch-your-job-search-on-vacation/feed/0Resumes for Consultantshttps://robinresumes.com/2018/07/resumes-for-consultants/
https://robinresumes.com/2018/07/resumes-for-consultants/#respondSun, 29 Jul 2018 10:00:37 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2992Are you a consultant (contractor or freelancer) to companies, taking on limited term projects without being a full-time employee?

In the view of the Internal Revenue Service, consultants, in general, must meet a few criteria such as the following: they are not economically dependent on one company, control the manner of doing their own work, do not receive benefits from the company, and pay their own social security tax.

Resumes for a consultant are the essentially the same as for any other job. The biggest difference is in the length of time that a consultant is associated with any given company. A consultant’s resume must avoid the appearance of job hopping, and you can accomplish that in two ways.

Identify yourself throughout your resume as a Consultant (or Contractor or Freelancer), including in the heading of your resume.

Give yourself a “company” name (your name and a keyword are fine: Smith Engineering or Jane Doe Financial Consulting). That way, when you write your resume, you can group many projects under your company name without appearing to change employment every few months. This approach is particularly helpful if consultancy is a stage between full-time employment.

If you worked on hundreds of short-term projects as a consultant, your resume does not need to list every company and every project. But it should definitely list any well-known companies you have worked for; any major achievements (“brought in project 15% under budget”); and any of your skills that may not be available to a company in-house. After all, one of the main reasons that companies hire consultants is to fill a gap in their in-house capabilities.

Consultants perform a valuable service and companies are aware of this. Your resume should celebrate your ability to quickly come up to speed on a project, work with a wide variety of peers and managers, assume control of your work, and produce results that motivate other companies to hire you.

Having served as a consultant myself during my long career as an engineer, I know the value of a strong consultant resume. Please contact me today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2018/07/resumes-for-consultants/feed/0Are You a Subject Matter Expert?https://robinresumes.com/2018/07/are-you-a-subject-matter-expert/
https://robinresumes.com/2018/07/are-you-a-subject-matter-expert/#respondSun, 22 Jul 2018 10:00:26 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2990Sometimes hiring managers and recruiters find a phrase occurring again and again in every resume they see. One example is “subject matter expert (SME).”

Common phrases like that are easy to write but may be more difficult to prove—and recruiters and hiring managers expect proof. For example, you could simply write “team player” in your resume; but it is far better to describe your actual contribution to a team and the benefit to the company. You could write that you are “customer-centric,” but it is far better to give an example where you put the customer first, resolved a customer problem, or effected a change that improved customer satisfaction.

If you consider yourself a subject matter expert in any field, then you should be able to back up that claim in your resume using at least some of the following criteria:

You may have acquired and maintain SME status through education, training, experience, membership in leading organizations, or leadership of innovative projects. Can you describe your efforts?

Other people turn to an SME for guidance and information. Can you describe a time when that happened and the results?

SMEs are often asked to speak about their expertise in front of industry and other groups. Can you list your speaking engagements?

SMEs are usually published in internal or external, online or print publications. Can you list the publications where your articles appeared, or your name was cited as an expert?

SMEs often win awards or accolades. Can you list them or provide a relevant testimonial?

Common phrases like a subject matter expert or team player or customer-centric lose their value over time because recruiters and hiring managers see them so often in resumes. As a professional resume writer, I know how to convey the true meaning behind those phrases by concentrating on achievements and supporting every claim.

Are you truly a subject matter expert? Let Robin’s Resumes® explain how and why in a way that will make hiring managers and recruiters eager to find out more. Contact me today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2018/07/are-you-a-subject-matter-expert/feed/0Your Resume: Do You Have a Disability or Inability?https://robinresumes.com/2018/07/your-resume-do-you-have-a-disability-or-inability/
https://robinresumes.com/2018/07/your-resume-do-you-have-a-disability-or-inability/#respondSun, 15 Jul 2018 10:00:37 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2987There is no single legal definition of “disability.” The legal definition of a disability varies from country to country, and even within different United States laws.

ADA & Social Security

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines a person with a disability as someone who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity. A condition does not have to be severe or permanent to be a disability. On the other hand, Social Security disability defines a disabled individual as someone with an impairment, either medical, psychological, or psychiatric in nature, that keeps them from being able to do a substantial amount of work for at least 12 months.

One thing that all definitions agree upon is that “disability” is different from “inability.” For example, if you are able to run but not able to run a marathon, you have an inability to run marathons, not a disability. You can still perform major life activities without running a marathon and can hold a job, though maybe not in the field of long-distance running.

Accommodations by Employer

If one of the requirements for a job is that someone flies internationally, and you are terrified of airplanes, you should probably look for a position that does not require international travel. Although fear of flying could rise to a psychiatric condition and companies are required by the ADA to make reasonable accommodations, there is no reasonable way to travel across oceans without flying: ships are just too slow and infrequent.

On the other hand, if you have a temporary or permanent disability that prevents you from walking up and down stairs, a company might easily make reasonable accommodations. For example, if the building does not have elevators, they could ensure that your office is on the ground floor; or they could allow you to telecommute from home or another accessible location.

Conclusion

That is where I come in. When you are applying for a position with a company, honesty in your resumes and your job search—about your skills, education, accomplishments, and abilities—is very important.

At Robin’s Resumes®, we monitor the current regulations related to employment so that we can craft a resume that makes the most of all your abilities.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2018/07/your-resume-do-you-have-a-disability-or-inability/feed/0Customizing Your Resume for the Job Opportunityhttps://robinresumes.com/2018/07/customizing-your-resume-for-the-job-opportunity/
https://robinresumes.com/2018/07/customizing-your-resume-for-the-job-opportunity/#respondSun, 08 Jul 2018 10:00:07 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2985Q. I am the quality control manager at a firm that makes medical equipment. My quality control skills are transferable to almost any industry. I want a job as a director of quality control, but I will look at other opportunities, too. If I can manage a quality control department, I can manage any department. I want to leave my options as open as possible. How do I write a resume that will show I’m a great candidate for any management job in any industry?

A. You never want to put hiring managers or recruiters in the position of guessing where you will fit in their organization. No one is looking for a manager of “any” department in “any” industry. Companies have specific needs, and they outline those needs in their advertisements and job postings.

It is possible to write a resume that highlights your transferable skills, but that is not the same as writing a resume for any job in any industry. When you customize your resume for the job opportunity, you:

Pay attention to the requirements in the specific job posting or advertisement, showing how your skills, experience, and education fit you to fill those requirements.

Focus on the value you have created in the job you hold now and in prior positions by focusing on achievements (“increased quality 15%,” “reduced turnover from 10% annually to 2%”) that would benefit any company.

Highlight any skills, experience, and education that prepares you to fulfill a new role; for example, certifications you have recently acquired or skills (like fluency in another language) that you may not have used before.

Do not be afraid to think outside the box if your goal is to move outside your current career path. For example, your background in medical equipment may have given you the knowledge you need to move into sales for a medical device firm.

Whatever you decide, always remember that hiring managers and recruiters know what they are looking for—and the burden is on you to prove that you are what they want. Please contact me today at Robin’s Resumes®, and I will be happy to help.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2018/07/customizing-your-resume-for-the-job-opportunity/feed/0Seven Wrong Ideas about Resumes and How to Fix Themhttps://robinresumes.com/2018/07/seven-wrong-ideas-about-resumes-and-how-to-fix-them/
https://robinresumes.com/2018/07/seven-wrong-ideas-about-resumes-and-how-to-fix-them/#respondSun, 01 Jul 2018 10:00:53 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2983Happy Fourth of July! It is always good to celebrate freedom, including our freedom from wrong ideas about resumes. It is time to overthrow them! Think how much happier you will be when you no longer believe that:

Resumes are magic. Unfortunately, even the best resume does not come with a magic wand to gain you the perfect position. It should be able to get you interviews, but it cannot ace the interview for you (unless it is a federal position where interviewing is optional). And there are many, many reasons why companies reject candidates that have nothing to do with the quality of the candidate or the resume.

One resume fits all. Instead, you should be customizing your resume for the jobs you are most interested in by making sure your resume contains the skills, education, accomplishments, and previous experience that employers are looking for in your field and industry—and in the job announcement.

Small mistakes do not matter. The truth is that hiring managers and recruiters are overwhelmed with candidates; small mistakes may give them just the opportunity they need to reject your application. Proofread your resume carefully.

Bragging is a bad thing. On the contrary, you should be collecting a brag book starting now for your current job, for every job you have held in the past, and for every job you will hold in the future. That book will remind you of your accomplishments. You never want to exaggerate or lie, but you do need to show hiring managers and recruiters how you used your skills and how you contributed to your company’s success.

Resumes should hide layoffs and other gaps in employment. In this age of turnover and change, being laid off is no longer a barrier to employment—everyone is laid off at some point. You should explain gaps in employment, not hide them. They will come out anyway.

No one can improve a bad resume. You would be surprised at what a professional resume writer can do. We interview you to find those gems of experience and skill you may have overlooked. We know the right phrases and words to add zest to your resume. Give a professional resume writer a try!

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2018/07/seven-wrong-ideas-about-resumes-and-how-to-fix-them/feed/0Resume Q&A: I’m Not Getting Interviewshttps://robinresumes.com/2018/06/resume-qa-im-not-getting-interviews/
https://robinresumes.com/2018/06/resume-qa-im-not-getting-interviews/#respondSun, 24 Jun 2018 09:47:12 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2978Q. I think I have a great resume, but clearly employers do not feel the same way. I cannot get an interview. Why would a resume fail over and over again? What can I do?

A. The reasons why a resume fails to gain interviews may be entirely out of your hands. For example, financial difficulties in the industry where you are applying may lead to cutbacks or employment freezes. Changes in industry regulations or qualifications for the position you want may mean that you need a new certification or additional training before you would be considered.

If the problem is a mismatch between your skills and employer expectations, then now is the time for you to brush up on your skills or take additional courses. You should be reading job advertisements and postings carefully to make sure you understand what each company is looking for—and customizing your resume each time to make sure the company understands how qualified you are.

Make sure you have explored every avenue for finding a new job. Simply searching the internet for help wanted is not enough. You need to network in person—attend meetings of professional organizations; talk to former employers and peers who might recommend you for new openings; and become more active in the community, perhaps by volunteering, so that your name and talents are better known.

You might also want to send your resume to a professional resume writer. A truly professional resume writer will interview you and work with you one-on-one to see if there is anything that can be added to or better emphasized in your current resume.

As a certified career coach, I can also offer you suggestions for reframing your resume for careers, positions, or industries you might not have considered. You probably have many transferable skills and achievements that would land you a job on a career path slightly different from your current path.

Please contact me if I can be of further help to prepare your resume for the next great interview.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2018/06/resume-qa-im-not-getting-interviews/feed/0What Not to Include in Your Resumehttps://robinresumes.com/2018/06/what-not-to-include-in-your-resume/
https://robinresumes.com/2018/06/what-not-to-include-in-your-resume/#respondSun, 17 Jun 2018 10:42:36 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2976

Your high school education, unless you are applying for your first job after high school. Generally, employers only look at—and care about—your post-secondary education.

Badly outdated skills. No businesses are currently using WordStar or mimeograph machines.

Skills you do not have. If your German is not fluent, then say that it is “conversational German” or “basic German.” Do not lie and do not exaggerate.

Your religious affiliation, sexual orientation, or political party, unless you are applying for a position where that information might be important—for example, secretary for a church or campaign manager for a politician.

Personal information that employers are legally not supposed to ask you about, such as your marital status, number of children, race, religion, and health. If you will need accommodation for a disability, you can bring that up when it seems appropriate. If you absolutely cannot fulfill the duties of the position (“must lift 50 pounds” or “driver’s license required”), then you should not apply.

A personal email that sounds too personal, such as greatdude@aol.com. The contact information that you include should be professional.

Your references. While references may be crucial later on, you should wait until the company asks for them. You do not want your references bothered over every potential position, only the ones where you are an actual candidate.

Overlong explanations about a job loss or gap in employment. Most job losses do not need to be explained at all. You should be honest about gaps, but a short sentence is enough (“Moved to Los Angeles to care for a relative”).

It can be difficult to sift through content to know what is and what is not important. At Robin’s Resumes®, we know what to include and what to delete. Let us help you choose relevant information for a comprehensive application.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2018/06/what-not-to-include-in-your-resume/feed/0Resumes for Internshipshttps://robinresumes.com/2018/06/resumes-for-internships/
https://robinresumes.com/2018/06/resumes-for-internships/#respondSun, 10 Jun 2018 09:38:40 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2974Creating a resume for an internship position can be difficult, particularly when the position is one of your first experiences in the workforce. Getting your foot in the door may seem daunting, but with these tips, you’ll be better equipped to succeed.

Hiring teams understand that, with most internship positions, applicants may not be the most experienced. It is your job to show that you possess the necessary skills to thrive in a position, perhaps with your educational achievements, previous employment even in another field, previous volunteer work, or samples from your portfolio.

If you are still in school or recently graduated, emphasize the parts of your education that are relevant to the internship. Besides the name of your school, include your graduation year and degree received (or expected), the field of study, awards and honors, and any coursework that applies to the position. If your cumulative GPA is over 3.0, list it as well.

Tell your potential employer what sets you apart. Do you have extra certifications or licenses in your chosen career? Have you spent a semester abroad? Do you know more than one language? Are you the manager of your school’s lacrosse team? Did you participate in a community organization?

Explain the content when it will help clarify what you have accomplished so far. Hiring teams don’t look for paragraphs of explanation, but when mentioning companies you worked at or courses you completed that are not self-explanatory, a sentence or two of background information is useful.

During your internship, keep track of what you learn and accomplish. When you are ready to apply for a full-time position, you will want that information to appear on your resume. It is easy to forget that you came into the internship as a novice and are leaving as a knowledgeable person with skills valuable to your next employer.

Internships are more than resume builders—they are ways to gain crucial work experience and insight into potential career paths. At Robin’s Resumes®, we can tailor your resume to the opportunity.

Tighten your wording. Not only does this make your resume easier to read, but it also shows employers that you are able to convey information in a clear, concise manner. What do I mean by tightening your wording? Look at the difference between the two examples below:

“Proven ability to make Lean manufacturing improvements of microchips utilized in the construction of robots as well as other electronic devices.”

“Improve Lean manufacturing of microchips used to construct robots and other electronic devices.”

The second sentence has 8 fewer words, is easier to understand, and says the exact same thing.

Bullet each achievement. Breaking up paragraphs emphasizes each new skill and allows employers to scan your application for required competencies. No one likes to plow through huge blocks of text.

Quantify what you say. Rather than mentioning that you “greatly increased sales,” try for an exact number—for example, you “increased sales by 20 percent.” Sometimes numbers can be difficult to find, but at least give an idea of the size of the company you worked for: does it have $85 million in revenue and 1500 employees or consist of 1 retail store with 8 employees?

Pay attention to the details. Make sure your formatting, spelling, punctuation, and grammar are correct and consistent. If you start out your resume with the text in Times New Roman, do not suddenly switch to Calibri. If you spell the noun “startup” and the verb “start up,” then “start-up” has no place in your resume. Let the resume rest for a day and then proofread it with a fresh eye.

Do your research beforehand. Instead of sending out a generic resume and cover letter, tailor your application to the company and the position. This will both strengthen your application and give you a leg up during an interview when you are expected to know at least basic information about the company where you are applying.

At Robin’s Resumes®, we are consistently creating top-notch resumes. Let us work with you to meet all of your resume and career goals.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2018/06/5-quick-tips-for-a-better-resume/feed/0Resumes That Are Kind to Recruiters and Hiring Managershttps://robinresumes.com/2018/05/resumes-that-are-kind-to-recruiters-and-hiring-managers/
https://robinresumes.com/2018/05/resumes-that-are-kind-to-recruiters-and-hiring-managers/#respondSun, 27 May 2018 10:00:00 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2964Hiring managers and recruiters are like everyone else. They want to understand what they are reading. Therefore, your resume has two jobs: to present you in the best possible light and to help recruiters and hiring managers appreciate you. To accomplish that:

Make it easy for the recruiter or hiring manager to find your contact information, the position you are interested in, and your qualifications. It is your responsibility to match your background to their job requirements; it is never their responsibility to hunt through your resume to find out where you would fit in their organization. Make sure your contact information is easy to read; start with a strong statement of your outstanding skills and accomplishments; and honestly match your details to the requirements listed in the job posting or advertisement.

Help recruiters and hiring managers understand what you do. Avoid jargon and acronyms. Place your skills in context: how did they help productivity, customer relations, communications, team building, idea generation, the bottom line? Placing skills in context also avoids over-simplification (see #3 below): everyone understands what filing is but how did your filing help the people you worked with?

Be generous when talking about your former company or coworkers. It is fine to say that your actions increased profits for the first time in years or reduced turnover or bridged silos. But do not use your resume or your social media accounts to accuse your company or coworkers of illegal, toxic, or simply extremely irritating behavior. If asked, you are moving on for new opportunities—not because you hated your boss and coworkers.

Never lie. Lies easy to detect with verification, background, and employment checking programs and services. They are also hard to remember and support during an interview. Discrepancies in dates, false information about degrees and training, inflated or false titles, and nonexistent employers are easy to check out and will ruin any chance of a job offer.

At Robin’s Resumes®, we produce top quality resumes with clear information that distinguishes you from the competition and shows off your strengths, without disparaging anyone or stretching the truth. If you would like help in reaching those goals, contact us today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2018/05/resumes-that-are-kind-to-recruiters-and-hiring-managers/feed/0Is it Okay to Use Acronyms in a Resume?https://robinresumes.com/2018/05/is-it-okay-to-use-acronyms-in-a-resume/
https://robinresumes.com/2018/05/is-it-okay-to-use-acronyms-in-a-resume/#respondSun, 20 May 2018 10:00:23 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2962Acronyms serve many good purposes in a resume. The best way to use acronyms is to spell them out the first time you use them: “Led the Global Commodities Group (GCG).” However, some acronyms are so well know (such as CEO for Chief Executive Officer) that you can skip the spelled-out version: “Worked directly with CEO on mergers and acquisitions (M&A).”

Here are the best reasons for using acronyms in your resume:

Use an acronym to prepare for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that may be set up to look for either acronyms or the spelled out version. For example, an ATS may search for IoT and/or Internet of Things. By defining the acronym, you are ready for both cases.

Use an acronym in case a recruiter searches on the acronym only, not the spelled out version. This is most likely for acronyms like P&L (for profit and loss).

Use an acronym when it saves space in a resume. For example, if you already have mentioned in the resume that you work in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), you may use the acronym EMEA in future references to that area.

Use an acronym that appears in a job announcement—such as SaaS or MBA.

Use an acronym if it is very well-known in your field or more commonly used than the actual words –for example, IT for information technology.

Whenever you use an acronym, make sure that you:

Are consistent: if the acronym for the Strategic Investment Team is SIT, do not switch to SI team.

Are clear about what the acronym stands for: FDA is most likely the Food and Drug Administration but it also has a lot of other definitions, including the Florida Dental Association.

Control the number of acronyms: the more acronyms, the harder your resume will be to read.

Are using the correct acronym: especially with associations and companies, make doubly sure you have abbreviated the name correctly.

Whenever you are in doubt about an acronym, spell it out. For guidance in creating a readable resume, please contact Robin’s Resumes® today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2018/05/is-it-okay-to-use-acronyms-in-a-resume/feed/0What Every Mother Knows Best about Resumeshttps://robinresumes.com/2018/05/what-every-mother-knows-best-about-resumes/
https://robinresumes.com/2018/05/what-every-mother-knows-best-about-resumes/#respondSun, 13 May 2018 09:55:02 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2958On this Mother’s Day, we honor our mothers for many reasons, but being able to write a great resume is usually not at the top of the list. Even though resumes and job searches have changed greatly in a single generation, there are some lessons from our mothers that are always valid.

Mothers want you to be continually learning and trying new things. Today’s hiring managers and recruiters want to see that you have kept your skills current skills and have the ability to adapt to change. They are interested in language skills, volunteer work, and awards.

Mothers want you to get off the computer and be social. In person networking is vital to a job hunt. Of course, online research into companies is also important; and you must make sure your LinkedIn, online portfolio, or other computer accounts are running, professional, and consistent with your resume. But take the time to attend networking and professional events and talk to real people.

Mothers want the world to know how wonderful you are. Recruiters and hiring managers want to know what you have accomplished and what skills, education, and talents you would bring to their organization. Give yourself full credit for all you have achieved. If that feels uncomfortable (mothers also tell us not to brag about ourselves), reach out to a professional resume writer.

Mothers want you take care of yourself. A job search can get you down. Writing a resume can tax your ability to accurately describe what you do and how you do it so that hiring managers and recruiters will consider you for a position. If you need help, get help. A professional career coach can make all the difference.

Mothers want you to be neat and presentable. That is true for both your interview and your resume. Check your resume carefully for typos, misspellings, inconsistencies, formatting errors, and grammatical mistakes.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2018/05/what-every-mother-knows-best-about-resumes/feed/0Q&A: Guidelines for College Graduateshttps://robinresumes.com/2018/05/qa-guidelines-for-college-graduates/
https://robinresumes.com/2018/05/qa-guidelines-for-college-graduates/#respondSun, 06 May 2018 09:50:07 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2956Q. I am graduating from college and very nervous about the whole process of finding a job. I am an organized person but I know that there are pitfalls and opportunities out there that I might overlook simply because I am so new at this. Do you have any recommendations?

A. Congratulations on graduating and on reaching out for information and guidance. You will find plenty of advice about resumes, interviews, and job searches on my website at Robin’s Resumes®, but here are my top 10 suggestions for recent graduates:

Be careful about the resume recommendations of your career services organization. The resumes they promote are excellent for on-campus career fairs but are less suitable for job hunting in the wide world.

Before you send out your resume, know what type of position you are looking for and research the companies you are applying to. Companies are not in the business of figuring out where you fit into their structure; you have to tell them.

Think in terms of context-challenge-action-result when writing your resume and preparing for interviews. That framework will help you see your accomplishments and communicate why they are important.

Keep a detailed record of your search, including the names and addresses of companies you sent resumes to, the job title and position, and when you sent out your resume. That way, when someone calls, you can immediately refresh your memory about the opportunity.

Consider nonprofit as well as for-profit organizations. Nonprofits also pay salaries.

Practice interviewing. Everyone gets nervous at interviews and you may never have been in an interview situation before. Your resume’s primary goal is to get you to the interview—so be prepared when your resume works.

Be hesitant to give away your work. Have a portfolio on line if that is customary in your field (for example, fashion design or writing) but be leery of any company that wants you to work for free for hours before they decide to hire you.

Ask questions, especially about the job hours and expectations. You do not want to assume you are on the day shift or that the job starts at 9 a.m. or that you will report to the person who is interviewing you.

If you are having trouble finding a job, get a certification, take an internship, or volunteer at a nonprofit. You should keep your skills sharp and open your network to a wider group of people. Take a position outside your field if necessary. Then continue your job search while you work.

Never take a rejection personally. Companies may reject candidates because the job parameters have changed, they can no longer afford a new hire, they found someone in house—the reasons are legion.

My final piece of advice is to sign with a professional resume writer and coach if you have the time. You will never regret it!

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2018/05/qa-guidelines-for-college-graduates/feed/0Help! I Have No Accomplishments To Write About!https://robinresumes.com/2018/04/help-i-have-no-accomplishments-to-write-about/
https://robinresumes.com/2018/04/help-i-have-no-accomplishments-to-write-about/#respondSun, 29 Apr 2018 09:46:14 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2946Q. I know you say accomplishments are important in resumes but what if I do not have any? I go to work every day (I am a secretary) to answer phones, type reports, do research, organize files, answer questions for employees, talk to vendors and customers, and make travel arrangements. Every secretary in the world does that. I like my job and would not be looking for a new one except that my boss, the company owner, is retiring and the company is closing. But it is just a job. What do accomplishments have to do with it?

A. Let’s look first at your list of what you do. Despite your certainty, not every secretary handles the range of activities you do; many bosses would not expect or want their secretaries to communicate with vendors and customers, for example. Research is another task that requires skills some secretaries simply do not have or are not interested in acquiring. So right there you have a few accomplishments that stand out and should find a place in your resume.

Now we can delve deeper. What types of software do you use on a daily basis and how proficient are you with each? Expertise with Excel, Acrobat, PowerPoint, and Publisher is always in demand, especially if you know more than the basics (for example, how to create macros). If you know additional software, you should also list that in your resume.

You work for the owner of the company—that is also an accomplishment, especially given the level of trust he has demonstrated in your abilities. And what type of company is it? Is it large or small, domestic or global; what industry is it in; how many employees does it have? How many employees, vendors, and customers do you interact with? The answers to those questions speak to the scale of your accomplishments and set you apart from other job applicants.

You mention answering questions for employees, as well as talking to vendors and customers. Clearly, you are a reliable source of information. What types of information do they want? How often are you called upon to share your knowledge? The fact that these people all look to you for answers is a very important accomplishment.

How do your skills and knowledge benefit the company in terms of efficiency, productivity, cost savings, or improved communications? If you were suddenly to disappear from the company, what would they need to do to replace you—and why would they need to replace you? That need your company has for your (or any employee’s) presence is an accomplishment.

If you have trouble writing a resume that shows you to be an accomplished and valuable employee, please contact Robin’s Resumes®.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2018/04/help-i-have-no-accomplishments-to-write-about/feed/0Resumes for Engineershttps://robinresumes.com/2018/04/resumes-for-engineers/
https://robinresumes.com/2018/04/resumes-for-engineers/#respondSun, 22 Apr 2018 09:50:51 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2943My degree is from MIT, I worked for many years as a software and systems engineer, and I have been writing resumes for engineers since the very beginning of my career. So this blog post aims directly at the resume information that engineers need most.

Hiring managers and recruiters may not understand what you do in the depth that you understand it. Instead of filling your engineering resume with long streams of acronyms, program names, and highly technical terms, focus on what you accomplished with your knowledge and skills. You increased productivity, reduced costs, fixed critical components, or met a compromised schedule by applying certain technologies and engineering processes. At the end of your resume, you can list all your technical know-how; but first, focus on results.

Make sure you include soft skills such as teamwork, leadership, talent development, mentoring, and working across geographies and business units. Many engineers have an undeserved reputation for difficulty in communicating. Make it clear that you have communication skills. If you are interested in transitioning to management, highlight your leadership experience.

Read job descriptions closely—and with a grain of salt. The job description will tell you what technical and nontechnical skills, experience, and education are most important to a company. Unfortunately, some companies ask for impossible combinations of skills and talents in their job postings and advertisements; they search for a super-engineer who does not exist and never has. Your engineering resume should show them that you are capable of quickly learning and applying new technical skills.

Be conservative when formatting your resume. You may know how to embed elaborate graphs and images and link your resume to multiple online sites and videos, but your engineering resume will probably have to pass through an applicant tracking system (ATS). Those systems are notorious for choking on high-tech formatting. Instead, concentrate on making your resume content clear, concise, and powerful.

Engineers in every field from mining to aerospace, from basic software to the internet of things, whether domestic or global, turn to Robin’s Resumes® when they want to impress hiring managers and recruiters. I look forward to hearing from you. Contact Robin’s Resumes® today.

First and foremost, a poor resume could cost you a new job. Poor resumes are unfocused: they fail to aim at a specific job and they fail to show how your accomplishments, education, hard skills, and soft skills prepare you for that job. Recruiters and hiring managers are not mind readers. A professional resume will tell them why you are their best candidate.

Which leads us to the second cost: self-esteem. A great resume describes your career in a way that makes you yourself aware of everything you have to offer. When it comes time for an interview, a professional resume prepares you to talk about your career positively. You begin to see that you actually have progressed over the years and contributed to each company. Any hiccup is just that—a hiccup.

The third way in which a poor resume costs you is credibility. Even if you have high self-esteem and a great career, a poor resume can undermine all your efforts in your job hunt. Moreover, if social media and networking sites, such as LinkedIn, present you in an entirely different light, recruiters and hiring managers become confused about which image to believe. A professional resume writer ensures that your presentation is consistent from paper to Internet to in-person interview.

Fourth, a poor resume costs you opportunities to change to a new career, a new geography, or a new industry. Many hard and soft skills are transferable. Are you unhappy where you are now? Your professional resume will stay upbeat—and keep you and future employers upbeat by showing that your value transcends the situation, role, geography, or industry you happen to find yourself in currently.

Fifth, a poor resume interferes with networking relationships. How are your former peers and supervisors, your family and friends, and your current network supposed to support your job search when they do not understand what you do or how valuable you are? If a poor resume confuses hiring managers and recruiters—who are familiar with your field and position—then just imagine how it confuses your network who are trying so hard to support you.

Last but never least, a poor resume costs you income. Most companies set a range for positions based on experience and education and their perception of your fit. A poor resume lets the company contemplate a low offer; a great resume generates a great offer.

When a poor resume causes that much damage, you know you need a professional resume. Robin’s Resumes® specializes in creating resumes that capture and keep the attention of recruiters and hiring managers, grow self-esteem and credibility, ease transitions, and support networking. Contact us today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2018/04/what-a-poor-resume-costs-you/feed/0How to Be Concise in a Resumehttps://robinresumes.com/2018/04/how-to-be-concise-in-a-resume/
https://robinresumes.com/2018/04/how-to-be-concise-in-a-resume/#respondSun, 08 Apr 2018 09:55:21 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2938Companies are quite willing to look at a 2 or 3 page resume—the 1 page resume is no longer standard—but they want a resume that is clear and concise. So how do you make sure your resume is concise?

Know the job you want. This is most important because it focuses your resume. Once you know the job you want and what most employers are looking for, you can ensure that your resume concisely highlights the skills, education, past experience, and accomplishments that fit right into employer expectations. Otherwise, you are floundering and your resume will show it.

Be precise; get rid of vague adjectives and adverbs. A concise resume should highlight facts. Saying that you are a “seasoned negotiator” means nothing unless you can point to several successful negotiations over the years. Define successful: did your negotiations bring in money or clients; open up new geographies or channels; rescue a troubled product or business unit?

Skip “responsible for” and get to the heart of what you did. If you were “responsible for managing a team,” then you “managed a team.” Hunt for “…ing” constructions. Change “was in charge of measuring key performance indicators” to “measured key performance indicators.” Change “known for consulting with” to “consults with.”

Stress your accomplishments, not your tasks. Every shoe salesperson sells shoes to customers. Did you sell 100 athletic shoes weekly? Did you specialize in a certain brand? Did you also train or mentor new salespeople?

Avoid redundancy. Every position you held is a little different. Maybe the companies or teams you worked with were a difference size, or you used different techniques or equipment, or you worked with a new product, project, or external or internal client. Avoid repeating the same verb over and over—look for synonyms (“recruited,” “hired,” “brought on board,” “added to”). A concise resume should still be interesting.

At Robin’s Resumes®, we make sure your resume is focused, precise, and concise. Contact us today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2018/04/how-to-be-concise-in-a-resume/feed/0Format Your Resume for Successhttps://robinresumes.com/2018/04/format-your-resume-for-success/
https://robinresumes.com/2018/04/format-your-resume-for-success/#respondSun, 01 Apr 2018 09:50:21 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2936No matter how impressive the content of your resume, poor formatting can deter a hiring team from considering an applicant. So what changes can you make to ensure that you format your resume for success?

Include the most important information first: your name, contact information, and desired position.

Be careful about the fonts you choose. Choose a readable, common, and professional font. Avoid fonts that are too large (“This applicant is unqualified and wastes paper.”) and fonts that are way too small (“This applicant is causing me serious eye strain.”). Resumes are professional documents, and the font should reflect this.

Keep your formatting consistent. If the name of former position is bolded, make sure that all others are as well. Choose a single style for bullets (either circles or squares, for instance) and major headings (either bold or italics, initial caps or full caps, and so on)—and keep to it.

Avoid random changes in alignment and punctuation. Make sure that every heading, for example, has the same alignment (the choices are centered, ragged right, or justified) and every sentence ends with a period. Make sure dashes and hyphens are a consistent length.

Keep the spacing between words, paragraphs, and bullets consistent. Search for double spaces between sentences and words; replace with a single space.

Watch out for excessive capitalization. There is no need to capitalize every noun. (For example, “Collaborated with Sales Teams to improve Revenue year-over-year.”) The more capitals you use, the less power they have.

Shy away from graphics and show restraint in the use of color, bolding, italics, highlighting, font changes, and other effects. A little goes a long way.

Make sure your formatting works as well in print as on the screen, especially if you have used color or shading.

Research the company. You should have performed some research before sending in your resume, but definitely do it now before the interview. Look at the company website and its social media sites (Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest), concentrating on products and services, the manager that you would likely report to, customers and service area, and any indications of problems you might be able to solve. Your first question to a widget company should never be, “What are widgets?”

Dress appropriately. Unless there is a picture online of all the employees, you cannot predict what style of dress a company prefers. When in doubt, aim for business casual. If you have tattoos or piercings that an interviewer might find objectionable or distracting, cover the tattoos with clothes and remove the piercings temporarily. You can express yourself once you have a better idea of the company culture.

Read your resume. Under the pressure of an interview, you may forget major achievements. At Robin’s Resumes®, we anticipate your need to describe your achievements during an interview by writing a resume that explains context (the situation that demanded action), challenge (what you were asked to do), action (the steps you took), result (the effect on the situation and the company), and why your accomplishment was important (what your action ultimately achieved).

Practice your interview. Practicing before you interview can help. You will know what types of questions to expect and how to answer the questions. If you need help, seek out a coach.

Show professionalism. If you decide early on in the interview process that this job is not for you, politely thank the recruiter or hiring manager for their time and ask them to remove you from consideration. When you complete the interview for a job you would like, again thank the interviewer and follow up with a thank you note. During the interview, avoid bad-mouthing former employers—if a former position did not work out, it simply did not work out.

Revise your game plan. After each interview, review it in your mind and identify any sticking points. Was something on your resume unclear? Did you forget to mention an important achievement? Did the interviewer have a negative comment about your LinkedIn or other social media presence? What can you do to make the next interview go more smoothly?

If your preparations leave your nervous about your interview, resume, or career plan, consider a professional resume writer and career/interview coach. Contact Robin’s Resumes®. We look forward to hearing from you.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2018/03/preparing-for-your-interview-six-steps/feed/0Resumes for Political Advisors, Consultants, and Advocateshttps://robinresumes.com/2018/03/resumes-for-political-advisors-consultants-and-advocates/
https://robinresumes.com/2018/03/resumes-for-political-advisors-consultants-and-advocates/#respondSun, 18 Mar 2018 09:47:08 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2929With the political scene heating up in preparation for November’s midterm elections, now is a good time to consider the possibility of becoming an employee for a political consultancy, Political Action Committee (PAC), or advocacy group.

For positions that are directly related to campaigning or to the mission of a specific party, you must clearly indicate your political alignment. In this case, even though we generally advise against including political alignment, your political views and experience are important to highlight on a political resume.

For positions that are more local and issue-oriented (for example, school board member in a small town), you must have a clear stance on the issues. Mentioning your political party affiliations may be irrelevant or an actual drawback.

Most political positions move forward from local volunteering or college politics into real-world campaign experience and then into a paid political position. If you are aiming to join a PAC or advocacy group, then it would be helpful to demonstrate prior interest or work experience in that group’s mission. For example, work in a pharmaceutical company might be good preparation for a position with a pharmaceutical or healthcare PAC. Volunteer work at a homeless shelter might be good preparation for applying to an advocacy group for the homeless.

Your relationship with known political figures or your contribution to previous political actions should be spelled out in your political resume. This is not a time to be shy about your connections or experience. Make sure you provide numbers wherever possible to quantify your accomplishments: “increased turnout 3%” or “increased funds raised by $200,000.”

In any political position, a demonstration of soft skills such as leadership, communication, organization, or negotiation is valuable. Experience in IT, administration, legal, and finance is also a boon. You should consider volunteer positions or certifications—for example, in mediation—that are related to the political position you are seeking.

A. The answer to your first question is that recruiters and hiring managers may or may not read a cover letter or email—so “maybe.” If the cover letter or email is short, powerful, professional, and targeted, then you should assume it will be read. If it is confusing and generic, it will not be read, or even worse it will count against you.

Should you include a cover letter with your resume? The answer to that question is an unqualified yes. If only one recruiter or hiring manager expects a cover letter or email, then it was worth the time and effort to craft one.

As for thank you letters, they also cannot hurt—if they are short, powerful, professional, and tailored to the actual experience and information you received at the interview.

By the way, “professional” includes correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation, as well as clear and correct contact information for both you and the person you are writing to.

Q. I’m ex-military, looking for a job with a civilian company. How do I make civilians understand everything I did in the military? They seem to get easily confused when I talk about my career, and I’m not sure that any of my experience relates to a corporate job.

A. The military world is filled with jargon and arcane terms that the civilian world has never mastered. The job of your resume is to clarify those terms. This is the same advice I give to civilians who are in high tech careers: spell out acronyms, keep the jargon as minimal as possible, and mention skills in terms of what you accomplished with those skills.

For someone with a military background, that last piece of advice might mean concentrating on your accomplishments in leadership, cost savings, team motivation, training, negotiation, communications, and project management—all valuable assets in the civilian world. A focus on results will make it easier for you to bridge the military-to-civilian gap. A security clearance, overseas experience, and advancement in your military career are all pluses that the civilian world can easily understand.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2018/03/resume-q-transitioning-from-the-military/feed/0Resumes for Former Educatorshttps://robinresumes.com/2018/03/resumes-for-former-educators/
https://robinresumes.com/2018/03/resumes-for-former-educators/#respondSun, 04 Mar 2018 10:36:05 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2925According to some surveys, nearly half of all new educators transition out of teaching during the first five years. If you are about to become one of those former educators, you may be wondering what direction your new career will take and how your resume will help you get there.

In many instances, the transition from educator to employment in another field is almost seamless. For example:

Math educators to positions in finance, insurance, or forecasting

Science educators to positions in pharmaceutical, healthcare, engineering, or aerospace

English educators to positions in marketing, public relations, or social media

Language educators to positions in global industries

Computer educators to positions in IT, software development, or help desks

But former educators are not limited to those positions. You have soft skills—relationship building, communication, tracking, problem-solving, keeping in alignment with regulations—that are valuable in any field and at every level of an organization. With leadership and employee motivation a top priority for many companies, educators also have a natural fit for corporate training and Human Resources positions.

Your resume should highlight both your hard and soft skills, with an emphasis on those accomplishments and daily tasks as a teacher that would make you a good fit for the position you want. It is very important that you know where you want to fit in any organization, as recruiters and hiring managers will not determine this for you. Finally, you should prepare yourself for a new position by taking courses, applying for certifications, or handling consulting or volunteer jobs that prepare you with concrete knowledge and experience.

If you need help to envision your new career outside education or to create a resume that highlights your value to a company, please contact Robin’s Resumes®. As a certified Job and Career Transition Coach as well as a recognized resume writing expert, I can help ensure that your transition into the corporate world is a smooth, enjoyable, and profitable one.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2018/03/resumes-for-former-educators/feed/0SHUT DOWN – 11 Red Flags to Consider Before Using the www.resumeterpro.com Applicant Tracking System (ATS) Reverse Enginehttps://robinresumes.com/2018/02/11-red-flags-to-consider-before-using-the-www-resumeterpro-com-applicant-tracking-system-ats-reverse-engine/
https://robinresumes.com/2018/02/11-red-flags-to-consider-before-using-the-www-resumeterpro-com-applicant-tracking-system-ats-reverse-engine/#commentsMon, 26 Feb 2018 15:47:16 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2289A couple of years ago, I posted information about a scam focused on bogus venture capital (or other) job opportunities, which forwarded folks to “fake” ATS scoring systems, and then to bogus resume services to “fix” resumes. At that time, many resume writers got messages from their clients that their resumes were not ATS-friendly – along with many job seekers, even though they were. One of these fake scorers was Resumeterpro (not Resumeter).

When I posted that online, I received hundreds of calls and postings from job seekers who were taken in by this scam. However, after receiving threats, I took down my posting at that time.

When job seekers apply for jobs, more than 80% of employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen out resumes. Since 2011 or so, several companies have offered job seekers (and resume writers) the ability to determine the score the resume would likely get when submitted to an ATS, along with suggestions on how the resume can be improved to more likely “pass” the ATS.

Per their website, LinkedIn company page, and press releases, www.resumeterpro.com is such a system. They state in their LinkedIn company page:

We help applicants review their resume through proprietary technology against most commonly used applicant tracking systems (ATS) to help improve a candidate’s chances of getting an interview and securing an offer. Our goal is enable our users to own their careers and help get their resume through the computers so it can get the attention it deserves.

However, my investigation indicates their system may not be working in the way job seekers and resume writers think it should. This article (which is long) details the results of my investigation.

Introduction

Since May 23, 2016 at least five resume writers have been contacted by worried clients after their clients were supposedly contacted by a recruiter via email, using the following message:

I have been having problems getting your resume in our applicant tracking software. For some reason all your past experience is not being scanned correctly resulting in a lot of missing information. I contacted our software provider and was told that the issue is due to your resume using styling that converts the text to non-readable format, the file type is not the issue since our system accepts all file types. They instructed me to ask you to check your resume through a free online tool they work with (https://www.resumeterpro.com) and see if you can identify and fix the problem.

The resume writers had attempted to fix the resumes for their clients by using the instructions in https://www.resumeterpro.com but were unable to do so. The resume writers were frustrated (as were their clients). Two resume writers have indicated to me that the interaction with their clients and their inability to fix the resumes to pass the www.resumeterpro.com “engine” destroyed their clients’ trust in them and in the resume writing industry in general.

A sidebar about me: I have been researching and writing about Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) for nearly 5 years. I am considered an expert in the industry on ATS, with many honors, including publishing an academic paper on ATS in the Career Planning Journal (www.careernetwork.com), contributing to the most recent Resumes for Dummies book, providing instructive webinars on ATS for several national-level venues for both job seekers and career professionals, and being invited to present on ATS at two national resume writer organization conferences, including Career Directors International [CDI] (www.careerdirectors.com) and the National Resume Writers Association [NRWA] (www.thenrwa.com).

Based on my expertise, three of these writers asked me for help to use the www.resumeterpro.com website, since they could not modify their clients’ resumes to fix the problem. After they contacted me, I investigated and found many issues, which to me are red flags, as I tried to use the program.

Hopefully, the results of my investigation will restore job seekers’ trust in resume writers and the ability for resume writers to help their clients get the jobs they want.

Red Flag 1 – Recruiter’s email

I asked the resume writers who contacted me to get the email from their clients that they got from the recruiter. Each one of the emails to their clients from supposed recruiters were identical to the above message. Let’s break this email message down to see if it makes any sense:

I have been having problems getting your resume in our applicant tracking software.

Why would a recruiter even have your resume on their desk if it did not come from their ATS? Most recruiters only access the ATS for a given position, to find those resumes with the right keywords or those that score highly for a given position. They do not have the time to enter the hundreds or thousands or resumes they receive each day into the system and contact those folks who have a problem getting the resume into the ATS.

Also, if your resume is good enough when they initially read it to be a job fit, in general they will reformat it to fit – since if you are the right candidate, they will earn thousands of dollars if you get the job. When they contact clients for a rewrite, they generally are very specific with what they want.

For some reason all your past experience is not being scanned correctly resulting in a lot of missing information. I contacted our software provider and was told that the issue is due to your resume using styling that converts the text to non-readable format, the file type is not the issue since our system accepts all file types.

Why would a recruiter contact a software provider? I have not heard of anyone in all my years who has done that (I have 15 years of experience as a resume writer, and more than 20 years of experience prior to that, including experience in developing software).

In addition, based on my experience, not all ATS accept all file types, so the last statement does not fit my understanding of how ATS works.

They instructed me to ask you to check your resume through a free online tool they work with (https://www.resumeterpro.com) and see if you can identify and fix the problem.

Why would a software provider recommend you check the resume using a tool that claims to work with 49 additional systems that compete with them?

Question

Why would jobseekers get the same exact email from different recruiters that contacted their software provider and recommended www.resumeterpro.com?

Red Flag 2 – Product Name

Several years ago I worked with a legitimate company, Preptel, which at that time, had a very good product, ResumeterPro. Preptel’s technical staff (consisting of former Taleo software engineers) developed their product through reverse engineering of the Taleo engine for evaluating resumes on how well they would pass ATS based on applicant resumes and job announcements. It offered the resume writer specific suggestions on how to improve the resume to score higher for Taleo-based ATS – using an easy to use interface allowing resume writers and job seekers to fix resumes to pass ATS. They developed the system after consulting with various resume writers, including me. It was a very good product – I endorsed it and used it extensively to help my clients. However, Preptel shut down in 2014 after Taleo was acquired by Oracle and the license for the engine was no longer available.

The name of this new website is the same as the former Preptel product – ResumeterPro. I contacted the Preptel’s founder directly to ask about www.resumeterpro.com. He indicated he did not know anything about www.resumeterpro.com and had not heard of it. Generally, in my experience, reputable companies do not reuse previous product names without permission or knowledge of the original company. ResumeterPro is not a common name or word that others would just stumble upon.

Note, it is common for fake websites to use common names to confuse folks using Google for searching. Since ResumeterPro previously was a legitimate system, the use of www.resumeterpro.com may be a ruse to confuse folks.

The website, www.resumeterpro.com claims to have the access to 50 ATS API to score resumes. Many systems do not offer access to their API for reverse engineering (including Taleo since 2014 and iCMS [I asked them about it for my research on ATS a couple of months ago]).

I know the cost for Preptel to gain legitimate access to the Taleo API engine was extremely expensive when it was available. I am sure the cost to obtain legitimate access to 50 separate ATS would be multimillions of dollars – if not more. I am not sure a $500,000 angel investment (see below) could cover the cost of accessing all 50 systems’ API, engineering a system to properly run each ATS system and obtain the results, and then develop their website system to report the results to the public.

Questions

Why would a legitimate company copy the same name as a previous, legitimate product?

How did www.resumeterpro.com reverse engineer 50 ATS in just 1 or 2 years? Note, it took the Preptel engineers a year to correctly reverse engineer just the Taleo system – and they had worked on the system prior to doing so.

How does www.resumeterpro.com get access to the API for 50 separate systems?

How does www.resumeterpro.com afford to reverse engineer 50 ATS with only $500,000 in Angel investment?

Red Flag 3 – Limited results on Google for www.resumeterpro.com – with a negative result found

There are only limited results on searching “resumeterpro.com” on Google, most related to Whois and a couple of self-serving articles. The company is listed on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/resumeterpro) – with 306 followers – but it has no one listed as working for them. They state they started in 2014 in their company profile.

Here is an article online about ResumeterPro, posted on examiner.com (http://www.examiner.com/review/resumeterpro-review-helping-job-seekers-get-past-the-ats-sytems) on May 26, 2016. Note the comment about ResumeterPro being a scam posted under the article:

Gregg Tushaus

ResumeterPro is a scam. Review the source code and you will find the free “reviewer” generates random, meaningless results in an attempt to scam users into paid subscriptions.

Questions

Why so few references to the company?

Why would someone post on a website that www.resumeterpro.com is a scam, with random, meaningless results in an attempt to scam users into paid subscriptions?

Red Flag 4 – How it works

Legitimate engines which “grade” resumes at least need to know the career field a person is applying for. Resumes for different jobs require different keywords, skills, and length. The best ATS grading engines use both the resume and the actual job announcement to determine the resume score. Every ATS operates slightly differently in reading and scoring resumes. No resumes fail ATS systems, they just score too low to pass the threshold for a given announcement for a resume to be selected to be forwarded to the recruiter.

ResumeterPro only asks for the resume, your name, and your email address. It does not ask for the job announcement. It is impossible to grade a resume for an ATS without a job announcement. The www.resumeterpro.com website, then does calculations, says your resume needs help, and asks you if you want it to email you the score and information. You then are sent to a screen where you wait for about a minute or more, as it reportedly sends your resume through 50 separate ATS. It generally comes up with errors for some of the systems each time – stating formatting errors. It does not provide information for how to fix these errors.

It also provides a score on top, with generic information on how it scored, including contact info, summary, skill, accomplishments, job description, grammar, phrase check, accented characters check, length, and formatting. It is using generic comments which seem to not make sense to the resume writers. You need to click on down arrows to see what it thinks you should do for the errors, with those supposedly impacting the score in red. The information is generic and not terribly informative on how to fix it.

I have run several resumes in the system, including mine and a resume I know passed the ATS and got the person who used it a great, 6-figure, job. I fixed resumes using the suggestions from ResumeterPro, and could not up scores greatly. I used an example from a site they provided (see below), and even that resume failed several ATS systems and had a low score.

Note, I have run the same resume on different days and have gotten different scores. For 5/23/2016 the score seemed to be in the 60’s, for 6/7/2016, the score seemed to be 79 to 80. The resumes failed different systems and a different number of systems on the different days.

Questions

Why is www.resumeterpro.com not using actual job announcements, like the ATS use, to score resumes?

Why would fixing resumes using suggestions from www.resumeterpro.com have no effect on the score or resume performance?

Why does the same resume run on www.resumeterpro.com get a different score on different days?

A well optimized resume should score between 90-98 and should not fail any ATS system except for connection errors. We highly recommend you optimize your resume for the major Applicant Tracking Systems.

Many of our users have reported having success with getting their resume optimized for ATS systems by <redacted website name> and they also provide free ATS Proof Resume templates and a short guide on how to make your resume ATS Proof which can be downloaded at <redacted website name>

We strongly recommend you download the free guide and compare your own resume against their template to see whats [sic] causing the failures in your resume.

We hope that our free tool and the resources listed above will help you optimize your resume for ATS systems. Since this is a free tool at this time, we cannot dedicate time for one-on-one support and apologize if you are not able to get timely response to any emails

Best Regards,

ResumeterPro Team

https://www.ResumeterPro.com

Questions

Why would an email from a resume company that grades resumes recommend another company to fix the resume?

Why is there a grammar error in the email response?

Red Flag 6 – Problems with <redacted website name of resume company>

Note how job seekers are referred to another website to “fix” their resumes. Referring folks to another site can, in some cases, be a bait and switch to get one to spend money. The email does not really offer you help on how to fix your resume (despite sending a template and a generic guide).

When I go to the <redacted website name> site, it does not indicate anything about the company or who to contact, only a generic contact form.

It offers various resume formats (which seem, based on my experience in the industry as dated and cannot be read by ATS), along with an ATS <redacted> Resume Optimization. Various costs are associated with each resume format and the optimization service.

In addition, some of the formats have graphics and pictures, including headshots of applicants. Unless you are applying for a job which requires a headshot (acting and modeling), a resume with a headshot will most likely be rejected in the United States due to concerns about diversity and equal employment opportunity.

Questions

Why would a website claiming they make ATS-friendly resumes offer resumes that are likely not ATS-friendly, based on my expertise, for sale?

Why would a website catering to United States ATS users sell resume formats that are potentially illegal in the United States?

Red Flag 7 – Problems with the “so-called” ATS-friendly resume

I downloaded the “guide” as indicated in the email above, and it had a sample resume available – supposedly an ATS-friendly format that the<redacted website name> website produced. The site itself claims:

We have tested our ATS <redacted> resumes on more than 50 ATS systems which cover more than 95% of all job applications and every single one passed with flying colors.

I put this claim to the test on the sample resume they provided on 6/7/2016. It failed, as noted below.

I changed the name and email address on it to my name and email address and ran it through the ResumeterPro system. It indicated the same errors as my own resume had in Skill and Job Description.

I got the following email indicating it had failed in almost the exact matter my own resume had failed. Note this was a different resume which had nothing to do with my resume. I again got an email indicating I scored a 79, despite it indicating an 80 score on the website page:

A well optimized resume should score between 90-98 and should not fail any ATS system except for connection errors. We highly recommend you optimize your resume for the major Applicant Tracking Systems.

Many of our users have reported having success with getting their resume optimized for ATS systems by <redacted website name> and they also provide free ATS <redacted> Resume templates and a short guide on how to make your resume ATS <redacted> which can be downloaded at<redacted website name>

We strongly recommend you download the free guide and compare your own resume against their template to see whats causing the failures in your resume.

We hope that our free tool and the resources listed above will help you optimize your resume for ATS systems. Since this is a free tool at this time, we cannot dedicate time for one-on-one support and apologize if you are not able to get timely response to any emails

Best Regards,

ResumeterPro Team

https://www.ResumeterPro.com

Note, I retested the same file again on 6/8/2016 and got a score of 83, and it only failed 4 systems.

Questions

Why would the resume created by the website recommended by www.resumeterpro.com fail their system and have an identical score to a resume created by me on 6/7/2016?

Why would the same resume created by the website recommended by www.resumeterpro.com fail their system on 6/8/2016 with a different score but the same failures as on 6/7/2016?

Red Flag 8 – Unable to contact www.resumeterpro.com

I filled out the contact form on the resumeterpro.com website inquiring about their technology on 5/23/2016, indicating that if it worked, resume writers would be interested in using it. As of 6/8/2016 I have gotten no response back from the company.

Note, I have contacted several other legitimate companies over the years about their technology for testing resumes and providing feedback to job seekers on how to improve their resumes. I have had excellent feedback from many of them, including detailed information on their techniques and technology.

Question

Why did I not get an answer back from the folks at www.resumeterpro.com?

Red Flag 9 – Domain information

Most legitimate websites do not hide their ownership information.

The domain information for www.resumeterpro.com is hidden using GoDaddy’s Domains by Proxy, LLC. This is a relatively new site, formed 12/5/2015, with only a 1-year registration.

The domain information for <redacted resume company website> is hidden by WHOISGUARD PROTECTED – a company in Panama (not the US). This website is also a relatively new site, formed 1/7/2016, with only a 1-year registration.

Questions

Why are these sites so new?

Why would legitimate sites hide their registration?

Why is the resume site not based in the United States?

Red Flag 10 – Press Release

There are press releases on ResumeterPro – using the exact wording as in their generic recommendations:

https://www.accesswire.com/436847/72-of-Resumes-are-Never-Seen-by-Employers and

They are posted by various people (Ramona Owens and Jim Cobb), who all use the same email address (admin@rocketfactor.com) and use the same unreachable phone number: 949-555-2861. This is a phone number used on many press releases for many companies with different email addresses for the company posting (including rocketfactor.com). Rocketfactor.com is currently not even set up as a separate website and gets a 400 error when addressed.

When I checked the domain www.rocketfactor.com, again, I found that this is a private registration, through PrivacyGuardian.org. The website, unlike the other two is old – it was created on 6/9/2006 – but it was set up at that time as a website hosting company. It no longer appears to being used for hosting.

Note, in the press release, they claim www.resumeterpro.com has $500,000 in angel investment funding with no details provided on the funding, other than this is why they can offer their product for free to the public. This makes no sense to me, since angel investors generally want a return on their investment. Here is the quote from the bizjournals.com/prnewswire press release on 1/11/2016:

As a spokesperson for ResumeterPro noted, the creators of the resume check and optimization tool have also secured $500,000 in funding from multiple angel investors, which will allow them to keep the tool completely free.

Questions

Why are they using a company with hidden information to do their press releases?

Why are they using a website for press releases that previously was a website hosting company?

Who are the angel investors?

How did the company find angel investors who require no return on their investment?

Red Flag 11 – Address listed on the website

On their privacy page they have an address: 3920 FM 1960 W, Houston, TX. It does not have a zip code on it, which is standard for addresses in the United States. When I googled this address, I found out it is mail drop address – not a location with actual offices.

Question

Why is a company with $500,000 angel investment using a mail drop in Houston as their address?

Conclusion

There are other red flags I have not mentioned here, but I have posted some of the more obvious ones.

I invite the owners/developers of www.resumeterpro.com to answer the questions above. In addition, I invite job seekers, recruiters, and other resume writers to comment below on their experiences with www.resumeterpro.com to see if they have had a similar experience to mine. In addition, I am curious about which job announcements folks are applying for or which recruiters are sending job seekers to use www.resumeterpro.com.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2018/02/11-red-flags-to-consider-before-using-the-www-resumeterpro-com-applicant-tracking-system-ats-reverse-engine/feed/15Resume Q&A: What Are Employers Looking For?https://robinresumes.com/2018/02/resume-qa-what-are-employers-looking-for/
https://robinresumes.com/2018/02/resume-qa-what-are-employers-looking-for/#respondSun, 25 Feb 2018 10:25:00 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2910Q. Everyone tells me that my resume has to stress accomplishments—but what about skills? What about education and years of experience? Doesn’t anyone value those anymore?

A. Skills, education, and experience are still highly valued. For example, no one would hire a CPA, lawyer, or software engineer without the proper skills, education, licenses, and certificates. But your resume will be competing against dozens of applicants with the same credentials and often with the same length of experience. The only way you can make yourself stand out is to show how you used your skills, education, and experience. You need to put them into the context of solving a company problem, adding to the company bottom line, or improving your job performance. Those are examples of accomplishments, and that’s why accomplishments are so important: they help to separate you from the pack.

Q. You give great advice, Robin, but the more I read about resumes, the more confused I get about what employers want. What is the most important thing my resume should tell them?

A. On a basic level, the most important thing your resume should tell employers is how to reach you! Surprisingly, over 25% of the resumes people send me for professional review and re-writing have critical contact information wrong, missing, or hard to read. On a deeper level, your resume should show employers that you are the person they are looking for. Your resume must align with the job requirements listed in the job posting or advertisement—it has to show that you have the right skills, experience, and education and that your past accomplishments have brought value to former employers. Finally, the resume has to do all this concisely and neatly: no rambling paragraphs, no grammatical or spelling mistakes. If you feel overwhelmed, please contact me. My job is to take the “overwhelm” out of resume writing!

Q. I want to move from a small company to a large one with more opportunities for career advancement. How do I present my small company experience as a plus?

A. Experience in a small company is broad-based experience. You are more likely to interact with individuals across levels, functions, and even borders. You are more likely to take on (and succeed in) projects that would not be part of your mandate in a larger company. That breadth of experience, ability to communicate, and flexibility are all traits that employers are looking for when they hire. So your resume should stress, not the size of your current company, but what you accomplished while you were there. You should also let go of your expectations for a title. A vice-president in a small company might be a division manager in a larger company, and yet have far more potential for growth.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2018/02/resume-qa-what-are-employers-looking-for/feed/0Certified Resume Writers: Why Certification Is Importanthttps://robinresumes.com/2018/02/certified-resume-writers-why-certification-is-important/
https://robinresumes.com/2018/02/certified-resume-writers-why-certification-is-important/#respondSun, 18 Feb 2018 10:21:36 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2908I came to resume writing after graduating from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, with a concentration in writing, and working for many years as an engineer. Certifications are vital in many engineering careers—and they are vital for a resume writer as well.

Certification is important because:

It indicates that the holder has passed certain courses, stayed up to date in the field, continued to meet high standards, and shown a dedication to growing in the profession.

It protects the public from individuals who claim to have experience and knowledge but do not reach the levels of skill and service delivery that are expected from a professional.

It confirms that the certified person has been objectively evaluated by other professionals through rigorous testing and has agreed to their code of ethics.

As a professional resume writer and career coach, I have 8 certifications: Master Career Director (MCD), Certified Master Resume Writer (CMRW), Certified Federal Resume Writer (CFRW), and Certified Electronic Career Coach (CECC) from Career Directors International; Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) from the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PARW); 360 Reach Branding Analyst and Social Branding Analyst from Reach/Career Thought Leaders (CTL); 5 Steps to Rapid Employment Coach from The Jay Block Companies; and Job and Career Transition Coach (JCTC) from the Career Network.

In addition, I have mentored other resume writers, received awards from Career Directors International, and directed and served as a judge for their international resume and career innovation competitions. I have been an invited speaker many international and local meetings and conventions to share my expertise with professional resume writers and job seekers about the structure, content, goals, strengths, and pitfalls of resumes.

But perhaps most important for you, the client, is that only a certified professional resume writer will write your resume. When you trust your resume to a certified resume writer, you expect that a certified professional will write your resume. At Robin’s Resumes®, you know that will happen.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2018/02/certified-resume-writers-why-certification-is-important/feed/0Is Everything on Your Resume Worth Mentioning?https://robinresumes.com/2018/02/is-everything-on-your-resume-worth-mentioning/
https://robinresumes.com/2018/02/is-everything-on-your-resume-worth-mentioning/#respondSun, 11 Feb 2018 11:00:06 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2906Job seekers often worry that they are including information on their resume that is not worth mentioning. For example:

Everyone in Beth’s retail store gets to be “Employee of the Month” at some point—should she mention that honor on her resume?

Ralph is fluent in French but has never used that skill on the job—should he mention it on his resume?

Frank took time off to help a very ill sibling but volunteered at a local community center during that time. Should he mention his volunteer work?

After Margaret was laid off from her last job, she took a position outside her field and now wants to return to it—should she mention that outlier position?

In every case, the answer is yes, although with qualifications.

Rewards and other acknowledgments by your company help you stand out from the crowd. Recruiters like to know that you were appreciated at a previous job. However, make sure you do not inflate “Employee of the Month” into “subject matter expert.”

Experience in foreign languages and foreign travel are important in this age of global commerce. You can mention your skill in the summary at the top of the resume or keep it to the end. Even “conversational” skill is valued so do not underestimate yourself.

If you contributed your time or expertise as a volunteer, mention your service. Many companies want employees who are ready to give back to the community. They will also be happy to see that you kept your skills sharp. However, do not paper over a gap in employment or try to claim you were an employee instead; be upfront about the gap and the reasons for it.

Returning to a previous field can be difficult, but these days most employers recognize that career paths are not straightforward. In fact, they may appreciate the perspective you gained from work in another field. It may make sense to mention old positions briefly under a final “previous employment” heading.

At Robin’s Resumes®, we help you understand the value of your honors, skills, volunteer work, and previous jobs. Your resume should communicate that value to potential employers. Contact us today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2018/02/is-everything-on-your-resume-worth-mentioning/feed/0Resumes for Career Transitioninghttps://robinresumes.com/2018/02/resumes-for-career-transitioning/
https://robinresumes.com/2018/02/resumes-for-career-transitioning/#respondSun, 04 Feb 2018 11:00:46 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2904Many types of transitions can occur in just one career: from unemployed to employed, from a large company to a small company, from college student to first-time employee, from for-profit to nonprofit, from one field to another, from self-employed to a corporate employee, from supervisor to executive—up, down, sideways, and roundabout.

These days, employers set fewer barriers to hiring job applicants who are making a transition. They even value the broader experience, skill set, and perspective that come with an unconventional career path. They know that those job applicants probably have strong adaptive skills; that is, they are trainable, able to grow as the company grows, can meet the challenges of constant change, and can communicate with others both inside and outside their job description.

As a Job and Career Transition Coach, I am certified to help transitioning job seekers understand both their goals and their options. I help them explore their past career path and find the best path forward. I help them articulate their strengths so that their value as a transitioning employee comes across in job interviews as well as in their resumes.

Here are four ways to make your transition go smoother:

Prepare yourself for the transition in advance by getting necessary certifications, training, or degrees. Pursue volunteer, Board positions, and consulting jobs that provide opportunities to exercise or develop skills you do not use on your current job.

Ask for endorsements and recommendations that you can post on LinkedIn and other professional sites, to show how others value your contribution.

Make sure your resume is written for the job you want. Focus on accomplishments that show your transferable skills and how they benefited your past employers.

Network in person as well as online, especially at professional associations and gatherings where you can connect one-on-one with potential employers and those who can give you referrals.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2018/02/resumes-for-career-transitioning/feed/0Strong Verbs and Your Resumehttps://robinresumes.com/2018/01/strong-verbs-and-your-resume/
https://robinresumes.com/2018/01/strong-verbs-and-your-resume/#respondSun, 28 Jan 2018 11:46:25 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2883“Responsible for” is one of the weakest verb phases you can use on your resume. One of the first lessons I learned while taking courses in resume writing was this: The phrase “responsible for” does not belong on a resume.

Instead, you want to use strong verbs that tell hiring managers and recruiters how you handled responsibilities. How did you apply your skills, experience, and education? What results did you achieve? This will differentiate you from the thousands of other folks who have held your job title and are applying for the same job you are. Tell hiring managers why you are the person they need to hire for the job.

Hiring managers and recruiters want to know what you accomplished. In a resume, that information is shared through bullet points under each of your current and prior roles. For example, you might begin a series of bullet points this way:

Increased efficiency by…

Saved $50,000 by…

Raised customer satisfaction by…

Improved communications between…

Expedited changes in…

Led team that…

Mentored new employees by…

Designed process that…

These verbs—increased, saved, raised, improved, expedited, led, mentored, designed—all show that you actively participated in your job. They are strong verbs because they are varied, concise, clear, and direct. If you were “responsible for answering phones,” then you “answered phones”—simply removing “responsible for” tightens up the statement and makes it stronger.

Let’s say you are a beginning graphic designer who has had held two very similar positions. But in each job, you worked for different companies and created specific types of designs, communicated with different team members, reported to a different level of supervisor, and employed slightly different software tools. Notice the verbs: worked with, created, communicated, reported, and employed—all leading to statements that are much more specific and stronger than “responsible for graphic design.”

Every career moves on its own path, regardless of the bare facts stated in a job description. Through bullets that begin with strong verbs, you will make your own path stand out to hiring managers and recruiters. If you are struggling to find the right words to strengthen your resume and show how you will add value to the job and company for the hiring manager, please contact Robin’s Resumes® today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2018/01/strong-verbs-and-your-resume/feed/0Your Resume: Recruiters Are Online Savvyhttps://robinresumes.com/2018/01/your-resume-recruiters-are-online-savvy/
https://robinresumes.com/2018/01/your-resume-recruiters-are-online-savvy/#respondSun, 21 Jan 2018 10:42:43 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2881Sometimes job applicants get so involved in hunting for jobs online that they forget that recruiters and hiring manager are also online savvy. Nowadays, recruiters and hiring managers are mining for potential employees on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube, and so on. What does that mean for your resume?

Make sure your online words are professional, consistent with your resume, and scrubbed clean of any discussion of terrible bosses, awful companies, and personal failures.

Make sure you online images meet the same standard. Remove that LinkedIn selfie that shows you flexing your muscles in a Speedo and get a professional photograph.

Ask for recommendations that you can post on LinkedIn or other professional sites.

Periodically check the links you mention in your resume—your online portfolio or other online presence (authorship of an article, a positive press release)—to make sure the links still work.

Don’t lie. Many facts can be easily checked online, including your real-world location or degree. Smaller lies can be checked and found out. Due to the increase in reporting about lying on resumes in the media, companies have been increasing the use of extensive background checking prior to hiring. Even if you get away with a lie now, it may come back to haunt you in the future. There are numerous cases of folks (even people I know) who were caught in lies they told early in their career and later on lost everything. Get your position honestly, and you never have to look over your shoulder.

Don’t fake-boast about coming up at the top of a Google search or being a recognized expert in your field because recruiters and hiring managers will check.

If you are conducting a stealth job search, set your online accounts to block your current company from seeing conversations with recruiters.

Recruiters and hiring managers are interested in your communication skills so proofread everything you write online and communicate clearly and concisely in standard English.

Soft skills are also important: Your online presence should show you as a well-rounded person with such outside interests as continuing education, volunteering, mentoring, or participating in sports or community events.

Check the basics: Create an email address that is easy to read and easy to type in. The best email address is your name.

Your online presence and your real life presence should align, and they should both show a person whom recruiters and hiring managers would eagerly invite to an interview. Robin’s Resumes® can help make any adjustments needed to ensure that happens

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2018/01/your-resume-recruiters-are-online-savvy/feed/0Manufacturing Resumes: What Makes Them Different?https://robinresumes.com/2018/01/manufacturing-resumes-what-makes-them-different/
https://robinresumes.com/2018/01/manufacturing-resumes-what-makes-them-different/#respondSun, 14 Jan 2018 10:35:31 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2879Every so often, the internet becomes swamped with recommendations that people take a closer look at manufacturing jobs. But often no explanation is given about those jobs—leaving readers with a vague image of someone on an assembly line drilling one bolt into one hole.

First, specific industry experience may be much more important. Transitioning from one industry to another may be easier for someone in finance (money is money) than for someone in quality control (since regulations differ for different industries).

Second, experience with specific machines or processes may be important. For example, automobile manufacturing is different from medical tubing or semiconductor manufacturing.

Third, many manufacturing positions require special licensing, certifications, or training. The resume should highlight those.

Fourth, many manufacturing jobs these days are global. Therefore, a manufacturing resumes should highlight experience with global operations, travel outside the company, diversity initiatives, or foreign languages may be a big selling point on a resume.

Finally, manufacturing companies are constantly changing. A manufacturing resume should highlight any experience with change: a new process, software, machine, technique, or regulation; new and evolving markets, whether domestic or international; or mergers and acquisitions.

Most of this information should appear in abbreviated form in the resume summary because of its importance. The body of the resume should give more details and examples, focusing on results: “Increased average output by 10% by re-organizing workstations for greater efficiency.”

In other respects, a manufacturing resume should meet the same high standards for any other job in any other industry. Contact Robin’s Resumes® to help ensure that your resume—for a manufacturing position or any other—is of the highest quality.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2018/01/manufacturing-resumes-what-makes-them-different/feed/0How Your Resume Gives High Value during an Interviewhttps://robinresumes.com/2018/01/how-your-resume-gives-high-value-during-an-interview/
https://robinresumes.com/2018/01/how-your-resume-gives-high-value-during-an-interview/#respondSun, 07 Jan 2018 10:32:33 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2877During most interviews, hiring managers or recruiters are holding your resume and know full well what it says. Yet they still ask you questions about your career. So how should you respond when you know the answers are right there on your resume?

An interviewer’s question about your career is your opportunity to tell a story that directly relates to the company where you are interviewing and to the job position. You can flesh out an accomplishment on your resume or chose a story with a closer fit.

You can explain any problems that the interviewer sees on your resume. “I moved from company XYZ after a year because company ABC offered me the opportunity to lead a team.” “I took a five-month break to help settle my parents into an assisted living unit near me.”

Your factual responses to the interviewer’s questions show that your resume is an accurate reflection of your career to date. Make sure you read the resume thoroughly before each interview so that you are clear about its overall message and any details that you might want to emphasize.

An interviewer’s questions can also help you decide whether the job opportunity is a good fit for you. It may not be a good fit if:

The interviewer does not understand the basic terms you are using. For example, the interviewer is unclear exactly what it is you do even after reading your resume and hearing you explain yourself as clearly and concisely as possible. There may be an insurmountable communication gap.

The interviewer has a negative reaction to what you consider positive parts of your resume; for example, volunteering in a specific organization or taking time off to raise a child. There may be an insurmountable values gap.

The interviewer has not read your resume and cannot find it. The company may only be interested in hiring any warm body and may be too disorganized for you.

Your resume is a valuable resource. It helps you prepare a coherent, clear, factual description of your career; and it helps you to decide if the company where you are applying appreciates your accomplishments and value. Let Robin’s Resumes® make sure it is the finest resource you can bring to an interview.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2018/01/how-your-resume-gives-high-value-during-an-interview/feed/0Resolutions for Your Job Searchhttps://robinresumes.com/2017/12/resolutions-for-your-job-search/
https://robinresumes.com/2017/12/resolutions-for-your-job-search/#respondSun, 31 Dec 2017 10:55:24 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2895Resolutions are easiest to keep when there are few of them. So take one item off the following list and make it your New Year’s resolution for your job search:

Keep accurate, up to date records of where you sent your resume and when.

Network in person—not just on the computer—so that you can develop relationships with people who might help your job search.

Make sure your LinkedIn profile and other online presences show you as a desirable employee—or are set to ensure your privacy.

Follow up interviews with thank you letters.

Ask for an objective review of your resume to make sure it is focused on your current and past achievements, as well as your skills.

Proofread, proofread, proofread every time you make even a small change to your resume or cover letter.

Give yourself a break; job searches take time and you never really know why someone else was hired for that perfect job.

A job search requires a lot of sustained effort. Writing a resume might not be the most important skill in your skill set. Even if it is, you might not be objective enough to understand the true value of your skills and accomplishments. So the next resolution on our list is:

Consider hiring a professional resume writer.

Finally, a job search sometimes goes astray because you are targeting the wrong companies in the wrong industry or with skills and accomplishments they do not need or appreciate. You may benefit from career coaching to find out exactly where you fit best. So our final resolution is:

Consider hiring a professional career coach.

Robin’s Resumes® gives you both professional resume writing and professional career and transition coaching. Contact us today to put your job search on track for the New Year.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2017/12/resolutions-for-your-job-search/feed/010 Common Mistakes on Resumeshttps://robinresumes.com/2017/12/10-common-mistakes-on-resumes/
https://robinresumes.com/2017/12/10-common-mistakes-on-resumes/#respondSun, 24 Dec 2017 10:50:02 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2893If you are proofreading or editing your own resume, I highly recommend that you wait until at least 24 hours after writing it. That gap gives you a chance to approach your resume with a fresh eye. Then you should look particularly for these common mistakes:

Inconsistent use or wrong use of punctuation (for example, inconsistent use of the comma before “and” in a series; missing periods; or misused semicolons)

Misspelled company or location names (look them up on the internet to make sure your memory is correct)

Inconsistent dates of unemployment (for example, your current and previous full-time jobs both are dated “2011-Present”)

Formatting that changes from the first page to the second (for example, the right alignment changes from justified to ragged right; or you bold your job titles on page 1 but not on page 2)

Misspellings that are not caught by or are even created by your electronic spell checker (for example, “fiancé” instead of “finance”)

Extra spaces between words or sentences, especially listed items like skills (the standard is one space after a period, not two)

Excessive capitalization, especially of common nouns (your spell checker or grammar checker may be responsible for this)

Fonts that are easy to read on your screen but not on paper—or vice versa (be especially careful of how colored fonts will show up if the resume is printed in black and white)

Verbs that are not consistent with nouns (for example, “the members of the Board is…”) or that are in the present tense, even though the job described is in the distant past.

Proofreading is an extremely important part of preparing your resume, for mistakes in the resume will automatically disqualify you in the minds of hiring managers and recruiters. They want employees who will be attentive to detail when it counts most.

Therefore, you should never rely just on electronic spelling and grammar checkers, but make sure your resume is proofread by someone who knows grammar and spelling. If you must DIY, and you aren’t confident of your skills, then please consult online dictionary and grammar resources.

Better yet, trust your resume from start to finish to Robin’s Resumes®. We are here to help.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2017/12/10-common-mistakes-on-resumes/feed/0Four Things Your Resume Should Never Dohttps://robinresumes.com/2017/12/four-things-your-resume-should-never-do/
https://robinresumes.com/2017/12/four-things-your-resume-should-never-do/#respondTue, 19 Dec 2017 11:02:38 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2891Resumes are meant to show you at your peak and to inspire hiring managers and recruiters to invite you for an interview. Therefore, they should:

Never contain complaints about a former company. If you had challenges in your last job—if it was a bad fit, the manager harassed you, or a promotion you expected went to someone else—the resume is not the place to complain.

Never provide information that is illegal for the company to have. That information includes your race, religion, marital status, and health issues. The only exception is when the information is relevant to the job; for example, you are applying for a role in a religious organization. Health issues that might impact your work are best mentioned during an interview—with the understanding that, if a job requires lifting 50 pounds, for example, your inability to lift 50 pounds will disqualify you.

Never hide gaps in your employment; hiring managers or recruiters will uncover the lie and imagine something worse. In some industries, short work periods are the norm rather than the exception (for example, fashion and engineering may fall into that category). In other cases, such as a gap to take care of an ill family member or recuperate from illness or raising a child, it is best to be honest. If possible, show that you acquired or used transferable skills during that time, including as a volunteer.

Never assume that the hiring manager or recruiter knows what you know. You should give a very brief description (one sentence or less) of any company that is not a household name, define acronyms (and make minimal use of them), and always tie results closely to the technologies or scientific processes you mention.

If you are unsure how to handle your departure from a company, sensitive information you want to share, or complex technical and scientific skills, please contact Robin’s Resumes® today. We have solved those problems for hundreds of job applicants.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2017/12/four-things-your-resume-should-never-do/feed/0Your Resume: Are Your Qualifications Clear?https://robinresumes.com/2017/12/your-resume-are-your-qualifications-clear/
https://robinresumes.com/2017/12/your-resume-are-your-qualifications-clear/#respondSun, 10 Dec 2017 10:59:07 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2889You know that you are qualified; does your resume back you up?

Here is what you can do to make sure your resume shows the hiring manager or recruiter what they need to know: that you are the perfect candidate.

Study the company’s website and its job posting or advertisement to understand—at a minimum—what the company does and where you would fit into its structure. That information should translate into keywords and skills you embed in your resume.

Include in your resume the key skills that you have and that companies are looking for in someone with your background. Those skills should appear as part of your accomplishments but also as part of a skills list.

Make sure your skills are targeted: yes, you can play the oboe but that is not generally a skill required by either a carpenter or Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Remember that soft skills may be just as important as hard skills. Soft skills include the ability to work in or lead a team, communicate with stakeholders and board members, develop talent, manage change, develop a customer-centric vision, encourage diversity, spark innovation, and so on.

In your summary, stress the ways that you can help a company solve its problems, whether through increased sales, better customer relations, improved software, re-organization—or wherever your skills and experience will make the most impact.

Accomplishments are vital for making your qualifications clear. They show that you not only have skills but know how to use them to the company’s benefit.

Give education, both post-secondary and continuing education, the emphasis it deserves in your field. Achievements like a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), a black belt in Six Sigma, or training in negotiation, coaching, or leadership are valuable additions to your qualifications.

Make sure you mention any awards you received from your customers, peers, bosses, or the industry at large.

When your resume is written around your specific qualifications, you stand out from the other candidates. Your competitors may also be qualified in their own way, but they cannot possibly share your unique combination of skills, accomplishments, education, and awards. Let Robin’s Resumes® help ensure that employers and recruiters see you as the new hire they have been searching for.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2017/12/your-resume-are-your-qualifications-clear/feed/0Is Your Resume Too Long?https://robinresumes.com/2017/12/your-resume-how-long-is-too-long/
https://robinresumes.com/2017/12/your-resume-how-long-is-too-long/#respondSun, 03 Dec 2017 10:54:01 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2886The old restriction, that resumes could never exceed one page, has been overturned. Depending on your years of experience, a resume may be two or more pages. Even so, a resume is too long when:

It is two pages only because the margins are two inches wide on every side. White space is fine, but it should never be used to make a resume appear longer than it is. That strategy failed to work with your 10th grade English teacher—it will fail to work with future employers.

It is filled with unverified fluff like “brilliant expert, known for ability to work independently or as part of a team.” What exactly makes someone “brilliant”? Have you ever met anyone who was unable to work independently or as part of a team? If you are going to make statements like those, make sure you can back them up with examples and facts.

It is meant to be everything to everyone. You must target your resume for the job you want, the industry you prefer, and the companies you are most interested in. No recruiter or hiring manager is going to waste time trying to figure out where you belong in their organization. It is your responsibility to make that clear.

It is disorganized and outdated. Your undergraduate degree from 20 years ago appears before your promotion to Vice President last year. Your current job and the one you held before that are both in the present tense, even though you held the previous job years ago. Again, no recruiter or hiring manager is going to waste time trying to dig out the facts they need from a resume mess.

It never explains the results of what you did. Many job applicants share the same skills, but not everyone has accomplished what you accomplished with those skills. Make sure you lead with results (“Drove $800,000 in new sales by interviewing customers to determine their current problems and changing marketing message to emphasize solutions”).

By those standards, is your resume too long? Robin’s Resumes® will make sure all pages are correctly formatted, concise, focused, organized, and compelling. Contact us today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2017/12/your-resume-how-long-is-too-long/feed/0Resumes for Liberal Arts Majorshttps://robinresumes.com/2017/11/resumes-for-liberal-arts-majors/
https://robinresumes.com/2017/11/resumes-for-liberal-arts-majors/#respondSun, 26 Nov 2017 11:11:23 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2870So much has been said and written lately about STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) that liberal arts majors may feel at a disadvantage in the job market. But liberal arts majors bring several important qualities to the job market. Here are answers to the three most urgent questions that liberal arts graduates regularly ask me about their resumes and career plans.

What fields can I enter as a liberal arts major?

Many leaders of organizations, even in the STEM fields, have majored in the liberal arts. Just three years ago, Fortune magazine interviewed top industry leaders at companies like American Express, Hewlett-Packard, and Blackstone Group. The interviewees majored in history, interdisciplinary studies, medieval history, sociology, and other liberal arts—yet became CEOs and founders of organizations in every field, including STEM. The results that Fortune publicized have been shown to be true every year since then for liberal arts majors. Your liberal arts major does not limit you, but opens doors in nearly every field.

What should my resume focus on?

Liberal arts majors have several qualities that make them stand out from STEM majors. One is passion: you have to be passionate about your English or sociology major when everyone is telling you “be an engineer.” Another is communication: a liberal arts major demands clarity in writing and speaking. Beyond that, your major and related jobs or internships may have given you experience in international studies and travel, statistics, economics, business, marketing, education and training, leadership, mentoring, administration, or law, all invaluable skills in any organization.

What are the primary dos and don’ts of a liberal arts resume?

The most important “do” is to focus your resume. Investigate companies you are interested in and jobs that you believe you are qualified for. Then target your resume for that job in those companies. The better your focus your resume, the more likely you will gain an interview.

The most important “don’t” is to not oversell yourself. A part-time sales clerk probably did not add that much to a company’s million dollar revenue increase; a summer intern at a nonprofit probably did not single-handedly improve outreach to clients. Make your contribution clear but keep it reasonable. Telling the truth in a resume is always a top priority.

Robin’s Resumes® has a long history of helping liberal arts majors land their first job. Contact us today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2017/11/resumes-for-liberal-arts-majors/feed/0Talking Turkey on Your Resumehttps://robinresumes.com/2017/11/talking-turkey-on-your-resume/
https://robinresumes.com/2017/11/talking-turkey-on-your-resume/#respondSun, 19 Nov 2017 11:07:13 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2866If you truly want your resume to talk turkey, you need to give examples and results. You need to prove the claims you are making.

Would you ever expect a job applicant to admit that they are not “a team player and able to work independently” and they are not “a great communicator” or “a subject matter expert”? Those phrases are more or less true for everyone—and any job applicant can make the same claims.

Your goal in your resume is to prove that you have the hard and soft skills employers value most.

For example, when you acted as a team player, what was the size of the team, its goal, and its accomplishments? When you worked independently, how did you make your individual contribution to the company’s revenue, sales, marketing, distribution, or other function?

The ability to communicate across functions, organizational levels, or countries is important: when and how did you do that? Did you participate in committees, make recommendations, serve on a cross-functional or global team, or deliver presentations or reports?

To show yourself as a subject matter expert, you need to show what experience, education, or contribution to the field makes you a subject matter expert. Did others came to you for advice and did your advice made a difference?

At Robin’s Resumes®, we know how to “talk turkey.” We emphasize the following approach to your accomplishments:

That is a lot more impressive than simply stating “global team leader with superior communication skills.”

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2017/11/talking-turkey-on-your-resume/feed/0How to Network with Your Resumehttps://robinresumes.com/2017/11/how-to-network-with-your-resume/
https://robinresumes.com/2017/11/how-to-network-with-your-resume/#respondSun, 12 Nov 2017 11:03:25 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2863I often advise clients about the value of networking to find a new job. I also advise them that a strong resume is a vital part of that networking effort. But how do you network with your resume?

One of the key ways to network is in person, at industry events or other gatherings. The most important activities you can engage in at these events are to (a) introduce yourself; (b) listen; and (c) exchange cards. The listening part is important for several reasons. First, it develops ties with the person you are talking to. Second, it keeps the conversation mutual rather than self-centered and demanding (“Hello, I’m Sam, I need a job, do you have one? No? Goodbye.”). Third, it allows you to find out whether the person you are talking to has a problem that you have the background, skills, information, and experience to help with. They may not have an opening now, but they will remember your help.

When do you whip out your resume at networking events? Mostly, you don’t. By this time, you should know your own resume well enough that you can pull essential facts from it as needed in the course of the conversation. If the person you are speaking with asks for the resume, then you are free to hand over a copy. But after the networking event, you can send the person an email (remember, you exchanged cards), thank the person for an interesting conversation (remember, you did not dominate it), and ask permission to send your resume directly.

Another way to network with your resume is online. In this case, your LinkedIn or other online profile should have the same strength and content as your resume. In effect, your profile is your online resume. You network with this resume in two primary ways.

First, you include your LinkedIn or other online address (choose one, not all) with your contact information on emails that you send, as well as on your print resume.

Second, you individually ask your online network for help in finding a position. If you do not want your current employer to know you are searching, you must engage in a stealth search, which some online systems allow you to do. For example, LinkedIn allows you to shut off notifications so that your activities, including connections with recruiters, are not broadcast to everyone you know on LinkedIn.

At Robin’s Resumes®, we are skilled in creating both resumes and profiles. Please contact us before you start networking, and we will make sure your resumes—both paper and online—are up to the task.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2017/11/how-to-network-with-your-resume/feed/0Apply for Jobs That Match Your Skillshttps://robinresumes.com/2017/11/apply-for-jobs-that-match-your-skills/
https://robinresumes.com/2017/11/apply-for-jobs-that-match-your-skills/#commentsSun, 05 Nov 2017 10:59:15 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2861I recommend that you apply only for jobs where you meet all the job requirements and required skills.

If a job is for a company that contracts with the federal government, then by law all hired applicants must have the required experience listed in a job announcement, or the company is subject to cancellation of their government contracts.

If a company hires someone without required experience as listed on the job announcement, the company is subject to civil rights/discrimination charges. This has been the law in the United States since 2006.

If the skill is a key one for the job, the resume might pass the ATS but it is still likely to be rejected by the hiring manager.

Even if you get an interview, you may not get the job. These days, many IT jobs require that you take a test to prove your competency with the technology. If you state you can easily learn a new technology, but fail the test, you will not get the job.

The time you spend applying for a job that you have a low probability of getting can be better spent networking, learning the missing skills, or finding a job that fits your current skill set.

Even if you get the job, you may not be able to perform well. Despite your belief that you can learn a new task or technology quickly, you may find yourself floundering.

Sometimes, if you have a networking contact, a company will consider you for a job without all the required skills (they can rewrite and re-post the job announcement). If you don’t have a networking contact, and you really want the job, you can apply for the job – but do not spend too much time on the application. The likelihood of getting the job, especially if you are missing a key skill, will be low. If you decide to apply for the job, you must show that you are capable of learning that skill, as you have learned so many in the past. For example, you can state in your resume that you used XYZ software (similar to ZYX software) and explain how you used it.

For more advice on applying for jobs that match your skills, please contact me at Robin’s Resumes®.

I realize the job applicant doesn’t want help but confirmation. If you are absolutely sure that everything about your resume is right—and the only reason you haven’t had an interview yet is because employers and the universe are against you—please try not to haunt Robin’s Resumes®. I love helping job applicants, but they need to want help.

I realize that the job applicant has depended entirely on electronic grammar and spelling checkers—and prefers their advice to a dictionary or grammar book. Online spelling checkers have some merit; online grammar checkers have zero, zip, none. Always point out suspected errors. But if I confirm that your sentence needs “is,” not “are,” or that the word you want is “effect,” not affect,” I know what I am talking about and any printed grammar book or dictionary will back me up.

I discover that the job applicant has never read the resume. My skills in resume writing are excellent; in mind reading, not so much. Please do not come back to me after a job interview and complain then about any factual errors or inconsistencies. Read your resume before you use it. I’m always happy to make corrections.

I find out that the job applicant has an entire crew of reviewers. The problem with multiple reviewers is that each has their own perspective (“add a comma,” “don’t add a comma,” “put in a semicolon”) and each one could be right. There are hundreds of ways to write a grammatically correct, concise, accurate sentence in English. You can spend weeks listening to your reviewers argue over which way is best; or you can listen to me and start sending out your resume.

I see that the job applicant is looking to the future but the resume is stuck in the past. The resume that was suitable when you were a new college graduate is not suitable when you are aiming to become supervisor or director or vice president of your company. You need to highlight the experience, skills, accomplishments, and knowledge you have that suits you for the job you want, not the job you are leaving behind.

Now let’s banish those scary resume moments and enjoy a Happy Halloween!

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2017/10/five-scary-resume-moments/feed/0Global Expertise on Your Resumehttps://robinresumes.com/2017/10/global-expertise-on-your-resume/
https://robinresumes.com/2017/10/global-expertise-on-your-resume/#respondSun, 22 Oct 2017 10:39:14 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2829In a previous blog this month, I talked about the importance of adding foreign travel and languages to your resume. The next step up is global expertise; for example, working with vendors, clients, and staff located in foreign countries or marketing and selling a product internationally.

When you are describing your global expertise, you should be aware of commonly used acronyms, such as APAC for Asia-Pacific; EMEA for Europe, Middle East, and Africa; IMEA for India, Middle East, and Africa; and LATCAR for Latin America and the Caribbean. Make sure you use them correctly and that they are well-defined to your audience. Be as specific as you can, mentioning exact countries where possible.

As always, you want to put your global expertise in context. While it is an achievement to work with peers in another country, it is even more impressive if your work together accomplished something positive for the company. Similarly, the international reach of the company you work for is important, but it is even more impressive if you contributed to that reach.

If all your experience is in foreign countries—if you have not attended school or worked in the United States previously—address as soon as possible any concern about your having the proper credentials to work inside the United States. If all your experience is inside the United States, make it clear if you are open to international assignments. Finally, state upfront if you no longer want to work internationally at all. You do not want to waste your time or the company’s time on offers that you cannot or will not accept.

Study abroad, international internships or volunteering, positions taken mainly to advance a desire to travel—all are valid experiences. Do not downplay them. Stress what you learned from the experience and, above all, what you contributed.

Robin’s Resumes® will relate your global expertise so as to enhance your resume and your value to employers. Contact us today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2017/10/global-expertise-on-your-resume/feed/0Foreign Language/Travel on Your Resumehttps://robinresumes.com/2017/10/foreign-languagetravel-on-your-resume/
https://robinresumes.com/2017/10/foreign-languagetravel-on-your-resume/#respondSun, 15 Oct 2017 09:32:19 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2826Your ability to understand a foreign language, at any level of comprehension, and your experiences with foreign travel are valuable assets in today’s job market for several reasons.

An Asset to Global and Domestic Companies

First, both inside and outside the US, individuals appreciate someone who can understand their language. The US itself is a melting pot; and US-based employees, customers, and vendors may speak English as a second language.

Second, when competition for jobs is high, the ability to understand another language and the willingness to travel (or work) abroad may help to distinguish your candidacy for the job from all the other candidates.

Third, both foreign travel and understanding a second language are signs that you have coping skills, a love of learning, and flexibility, all highly valued characteristics in an employee. They show both the willingness and the ability to communicate with people, as well as an interest in and acceptance of other cultures.

Fourth, the internet has enabled many more companies to become international, regardless of their size.

Level of Language Skills

On your resume, you should clearly indicate the level of your foreign language skill: conversational and fluent are the two most common categories. However, you may be able to read but not speak a language or you may have only basic conversational skills; you should still mention the skill you do have. If a country has more than one language (for example, both Mandarin and Cantonese are prevalent in China and North America), specify the language(s) you are familiar with (rather than saying, “Chinese”).

Foreign Travel

If you have volunteered or worked abroad or if working abroad is one of your goals, foreign travel has even more relevance on your resume. Even if you are not fluent in other languages, you may find that your travel experiences have value during your job search and interview. Select stories from foreign travel illustrate your ability to adapt to new experiences, overcome barriers like differences in language, negotiate, and plan.

Robin’s Resumes® can help you find the best way to present your foreign language and travel experience in your resume. Contact us today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2017/10/foreign-languagetravel-on-your-resume/feed/0Computer Skills and Your Resumehttps://robinresumes.com/2017/10/computer-skills-and-your-resume/
https://robinresumes.com/2017/10/computer-skills-and-your-resume/#commentsSun, 08 Oct 2017 10:00:37 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2824How much space should you dedicate to your computer skills? Resume real estate is valuable. However, no matter how tight the space, skills are important. You can list computer skills at the end of your resume and/or interweave them in accomplishments, but you should not omit them.

You should always include all of the skills you have used in the last 10 years that you will use in the future. Outdated computer skills (for example, familiarity with Wordstar) are not likely to be helpful. But there is no way for the employer to know if you are familiar with Microsoft Office unless you mention that in your resume. You get credit for the skills you list on the resume; and it could cost you a job if you fail to mention a computer skill that the job listing or advertisement specifically mentioned. By contrast, it will never cost you a job to include a skill you were not asked for.

For many job applicants, especially IT professionals, merely listing a computer skill is not sufficient. You should also provide examples of how you used the skill on the job. You want to show that you not only have computer skills, but know how to use them to the benefit of your employer. From successfully meeting a deadline to selecting and implementing the right software tools, you want to show how your computer skills and knowledge increased efficiency, reliability, productivity, cooperation, or return on investment for your previous employers.

If you find that job postings and advertisements consistently request skills you do not have, consider taking a course in computer skills you lack or changing your job search. When the request for a skill (for example, familiarity with Salesforce) appears across multiple company job postings, you cannot ignore its importance in your chosen career.

With my own background developing software applications, I am very aware of the role of computer skills and knowledge in a resume. Please contact me for help in writing a resume that correctly highlights your skills.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2017/10/computer-skills-and-your-resume/feed/1Career Services Offices & Your Resumehttps://robinresumes.com/2017/10/career-services-offices-your-resume/
https://robinresumes.com/2017/10/career-services-offices-your-resume/#respondSun, 01 Oct 2017 10:00:41 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2821Most on-campus career services organizations work with students. They help college students create resumes that are adequate for presenting to companies recruiting at the school. These resumes do not need to lead to interviews because the interviewers are coming to the students. The resumes are used for talking points by recruiters and hiring managers who have traveled to that specific school to find employees.

If you are not a college student and are not attending a school “job fair,” then you need a different type of resume, one that the career services organization’s are often unfamiliar with.

Unlike a student resume presented to on-campus recruiters, your resume must win you that first interview. Therefore, it must accomplish two tasks. First, it must pass through the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) – a scoring system using keywords and other information that most companies use. Second, it must highlight your accomplishments so that hiring managers will pick your resume out of all the resumes they see.

In addition to being a professional, certified resume writer, I am a leading expert in ATS for the resume and career services industry. This year, I made a presentation on ATS and resumes for the GCDA. This is an association of college career counselors. I am a member of GCDA and frequently attend their meetings where I speak with career counselors from schools such as Georgia Tech, Georgia State, and Emory. I have provided coaching to students at many of these schools.

So I am well aware of the differences between resumes for college students and resumes for those who are already out in the working world. I have written technical, executive, career transitioning, and scientific resumes, as well as curriculum vitae, for individuals at every stage of their careers. Each resume presents its own challenges; but my experience, training, and contacts in the recruiting industry have prepared me to deal with those challenges.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2017/10/career-services-offices-your-resume/feed/0What Nonprofits Look For in a Resumehttps://robinresumes.com/2017/09/what-nonprofits-look-for-in-a-resume/
https://robinresumes.com/2017/09/what-nonprofits-look-for-in-a-resume/#respondSun, 24 Sep 2017 09:40:38 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2842Are you interested in working for a nonprofit? The most important thing to remember is that nonprofits must run on sound business principles, just like for-profits. They have a different mission, but they must still fund that mission, promote it, run it efficiently, keep track of finances, and conform to state and federal regulations.

Therefore, your resume must include all the detail and focus on accomplishments that are expected in a resume for a for-profit position. In addition, you should show:

A demonstrated passion for the type of work that the nonprofit does. Nonprofits are concerned with cultural fit—particularly a connection to the nonprofit’s mission. Before you send your resume to a nonprofit, make sure you believe in the mission.

Experience in working for or volunteering for other nonprofits. Nonprofits are eager for employees who combine passion with a hard-headed awareness of the need to control costs, raise funds, and make tough decisions. Before you send your resume to a nonprofit, make sure you understand that nonprofits expect teamwork, attention to the bottom line, and results, just for-profit companies.

The ability to wear several hats. Most nonprofits are short-staffed and rely on volunteers and on the diverse skills of their paid staff for many functions. Before you send your resume to a nonprofit, decide whether you appreciate the opportunity to work outside a rigid job definition.

Good communication skills. In most nonprofits, you may have to help write grants, talk about the organization to potential donors, and publicize fundraising Before you send your resume to a nonprofit, make sure that you are comfortable communicating with the population that the nonprofit serves, with donors and volunteers, and with the community at large.

The ability to deal with frustration. Most businesses have several layers of bureaucracy to protect you from business frustrations. Most nonprofits put you right on the front lines of dealing with volunteers who don’t understand boundaries, reluctant donors, communities who misunderstand your mission, and clients who don’t always appreciate the help. Before you send your resume to a nonprofit, make sure you can handle the frustrations that will come your way.

If you are ready for nonprofit work, Robin’s Resumes® is ready to help you with a great resume. Contact us today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2017/09/what-nonprofits-look-for-in-a-resume/feed/0Proofreading Your Resume: Seven Problem Areashttps://robinresumes.com/2017/09/proofreading-your-resume-seven-problem-areas/
https://robinresumes.com/2017/09/proofreading-your-resume-seven-problem-areas/#respondSun, 17 Sep 2017 09:35:13 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2840Online spell checkers and grammar checkers have very real limitations. Even if you used an online system to spell check and grammar check your resume, you should still proofread it yourself. The following seven items tell you why. Spell checkers and grammar checkers are unable to tell if:

The correct word is being used. Many times a word is wrong for your resume but is still spelled correctly (disparate and desperate, finance and fiancé, manager and manger). You are the only one who can tell which word was meant.

The correct verb goes with each noun. For example, the correct verb is for Kohls is singular: “Kohls is.” Grammar checkers are particularly bad in figuring out the right verb for compound nouns or compound sentences.

Numbers are consistent. You should settle on one standard: 3M or 3 million; the 90s or the 1990s; USD 4 billion or US $4 billion; 0.50 or .50 or .5. Many grammar and spell checkers will accept both versions, so you must check for consistency.

Lists are consistent. For example, the following list is inconsistent: “Worked on increasing revenue, decreasing overhead and morale.” It seems to say the job applicant worked on decreasing morale—not a good quality in a leader.

Punctuation is used correctly and consistently. It doesn’t matter if you use the comma before “and” in a series, but you have to use it (or not use it) consistently and correctly. You should avoid exclamation points. In most cases, the period at the end of a sentence goes inside quotation marks. These are all decisions that an online grammar checker cannot make for you; you must proofread.

Acronyms are correct. Does the acronym match up with the beginning letters of the full name (e.g., using the acronym USF for US Air Force)?

Spacing and alignment are consistent. You don’t want to justify page 1 and use a ragged right margin on page 2; you want the spaces between bullets to be consistent, and you want the same font(s) to be used throughout for headings and text.

I do not advise reading a resume backwards as a proofreading tool. The main reason is that you are highly unlikely to find any of the above six problems if you are reading backwards. You cannot tell whether “are” or “is” is the correct verb or if the word you want is ensure, insure, or assure.

However, I do advocate printing the resume out and reading each line with a ruler beneath it; reading the resume out loud at least once (it is amazing what your eye misses but your ear will “hear” as wrong); and putting the resume away for at least 24 hours before you proofread.

One of our goals at Robin’s Resumes® is to make sure that every resume goes out letter, word, and comma-perfect. Contact us today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2017/09/proofreading-your-resume-seven-problem-areas/feed/0How Resumes Prepare You for Interviewshttps://robinresumes.com/2017/09/how-resumes-prepare-you-for-interviews/
https://robinresumes.com/2017/09/how-resumes-prepare-you-for-interviews/#respondSun, 10 Sep 2017 09:25:16 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2837The ultimate purpose of your resume and cover letter are to prompt hiring managers and recruiters to ask you to an interview. But the resume can also help you during the interview.

Many potential employers will look at your resume when framing questions during the interview and will expect you to know the dates and responsibilities of previous positions you have held. So make sure you read your resume once again before you go to the interview and have a comprehensive understanding of your previous work experience.

Interviewing with a potential employer gives you an opportunity to add information that did not fit on the resume and that shows how your career prepared you to work there. Listen closely to what the hiring manager or recruiter asks to find out if you left something off your resume that you should add or if there is information on it that you should clarify.

During an interview, answer the “what is your greatest weakness?” question with a story about how you overcame a weakness. Your resume should focus on achievements; now is the time to explain what you had to overcome on the way, whether it was a misunderstanding with the customer, a poorly designed schedule, or some other roadblock you should have anticipated. What are you doing now to make sure your weakness has been addressed?

When you work with a resume company such as Robin’s Resumes®, they will help you uncover many examples of your accomplishments. Robin’s Resumes® has a comprehensive questionnaire that helps you uncover these accomplishments in a “context-challenge-action-result-why your accomplishment was important?” format that can help you during interviews. When you prepare for the interview, also review your questionnaire. You can use these stories to answer specific questions from the interviewer about your experience.

In addition to knowing your stories, you need a comprehensive understanding of the company you are applying to. In this sense, it is impossible to be over-prepared. Knowing the ins and outs of your potential employer can benefit your responses, as well as fuel potential questions for your interviewer (which you should always ask—this shows interest).

Follow up with your interviewer. When you send a thank-you email post-interview, you show both courtesy and respect. This is also a great opportunity to ask any remaining questions, emphasize your strong interest, and touch back to a specific point of conversation that stood out to you from the interview.

At Robin’s Resumes®, we understand that a job hunt requires many moving parts. Get in touch with us today to start your application off the right way with a great resume.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2017/09/how-resumes-prepare-you-for-interviews/feed/0College Students: Your Summer Job in Your Resumehttps://robinresumes.com/2017/09/college-students-your-summer-job-in-your-resume/
https://robinresumes.com/2017/09/college-students-your-summer-job-in-your-resume/#respondSun, 03 Sep 2017 09:22:12 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2835If you are a college student who has completed or is about to complete an internship or summer job, start planning now about how that position will appear on your resume. Simply stating that you worked at such-and-such a place in such-and-such a capacity is not enough. You should write down for future use:

Everyone you interacted with by job position—your immediate supervisor, vendors, customers or clients, staff in other departments, and so on. You want to document your ability to communicate at all levels of an organization, internally and externally.

Any praise or advancement you received, whether formal (for example, as part of a review) or informal. Were you asked to return next summer? Did customers or clients praise you for your help? Were you chosen to participate in a special project? Were you employee of the month? You want to document your value as an employee.

Results from your participation. For example, the tweet you wrote for the company resulted in hundreds of likes, the grant you proofread brought in thousands of dollars, or the event or project you helped with was successfully completed on time and on budget. Although you should never take credit for more than you contributed, your participation on a team is as important as leading it. You want to document your teamwork and your results orientation.

What you learned. Your internship or job may have taught you more than you originally knew about finance, planning, graphic design, construction, computer repair, or restaurant service. You want to document that you are capable of learning. Even if your ultimate career goal is directed elsewhere, customer service (for example) is appreciated everywhere.

Internships and summer jobs have great value that goes beyond the money they bring in. They bolster your resume by showing that you have already succeeded in the working world. When it is time to fashion your resume for the next great opportunity, contact Robin’s Resumes®. We’re here to help.

Usually a resume mill will run your resume through a spell- and grammar-checker (something you could do yourself) or through a single applicant tracking system. They come up with generic comments about your resume based the results, comments that do not add value to your resume but simply correct common mistakes.

Some resume mills are led by a certified, professional resume writer but the actual work is performed by someone you never meet. That writer, who may have no credentials or experience, does not interview you or find out about your goals, achievements, and preferences. The writer simply takes the resume you sent and spruces it up with a little reorganization and reformatting.

Personal, Professional Resume Writer

When you speak directly with your resume writer—when you know your resume writer—then your resume writer also knows you. Together, you discuss strategy and goals, not just whether a comma belongs before “and” or whether your resume is “too long” or “too short.”

A professional resume writer interviews you to understand and bring to light your most important experiences and achievements. Instead of merely rehashing your past, your personal resume writer ensures your content focuses on your qualifications for the job you want. The writer may examine job postings for positions like the one you want, to make sure your resume emphasizes the key words that applicant tracking systems will look for and the information that will impress hiring managers and recruiters.

You have the confidence of working with someone with credentials in the field and knowledge about the expectations of hiring managers and recruiters. For example, I am a member of the top four organizations in the resume writing and career marketing business, including the National Resume Writers Association and the National Career Development Association. I speak at conferences for other resume writers, am a Certified Master Resume Writer, and have over 15 years of experience.

The Real Difference

Generic resume writing companies produce resumes that may not have any mistakes, but also have no value. They position you as another generic applicant in a faceless crowd. At Robin’s Resumes®, you always know your resume writer. I take pride in collaborating with you one-on-one, to create a resume that shows your individuality and true worth to future employers.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2017/08/resume-mills-versus-resume-writers/feed/0Your Job Search Strategies and Your Resumehttps://robinresumes.com/2017/08/your-job-search-strategies-and-your-resume/
https://robinresumes.com/2017/08/your-job-search-strategies-and-your-resume/#commentsSun, 20 Aug 2017 09:39:20 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2499As a Certified Job and Career Transition Coach and a certified 5 Steps to Rapid Employment coach, I understand the many different strategies that go into a successful job search and how your resume fits into each one.

Job Search Strategy One: Pleasing Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). If you are first applying for a job, whether online or through the mail, you must make sure your resume is ATS-friendly. Remove all tables, text boxes, and other design elements—they merely confuse the ATS. Today, over 97% of Fortune 500 companies use ATS (the other 3% are holding companies that do not hire employees). Even if applying to a very small company, it is probable your resume will be sent to an ATS.

Job Search Strategy Two:Engaging Family and Friends. When you speak to family and friends about your job search, ask them if they would be willing to read your resume so that they know exactly the type of position you are looking for. They may also provide unsolicited advice about the content and format of your resume; always thank them, but decide for yourself if the advice is valid.

Job Search Strategy Three:Networking. The best networking starts with a genuine interest in the other person, not with your plea for help in finding a job. If the other person eventually expresses an interest in your resume, ask for the best way to send it. Some people will not open email attachments.

Job Search Strategy Four:Posting a Profile Online. Your profile on LinkedIn or similar professional sites should support and line up with your resume, even if they are not exact duplicates. Make sure your online photo is professional.

Job Search Strategy Five: Interviewing. Take a paper version of your resume with you to interviews. That version can contain design elements like graphs and tables. Make sure the version of the resume that you take with you and the version you sent to the company do not conflict on facts or content, even if the format is different. You also may consider having a long version for ATS and a shorter networking/interview version.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2017/08/your-job-search-strategies-and-your-resume/feed/1Resume Advice for Millennialshttps://robinresumes.com/2017/08/resume-advice-for-millennials/
https://robinresumes.com/2017/08/resume-advice-for-millennials/#respondSun, 13 Aug 2017 09:34:25 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2495An increasing number of Millennials are entering and moving up in the workforce, bringing about a shift in expectations along with the change in demographics. If you are an individual seeking new employment, you’ve come to the right place—read on for crucial resume advice.

Triple-check your work. It goes without say that editing is necessary—particularly when a single leaf of paper is so high-stakes—but it’s easy for mistakes to slip past an editorial eye. Read your work over once, take a break, read it aloud, and read it again.

Likewise, read over the content surrounding your resume. Whether you send an email detailing your interest or a cover letter typed into Indeed.com, make sure that you have the correct address of the company you are writing to, have saved your resume under an appropriate file name (“LastName-First Name-Resume.doc”), and have placed the email address and phone number on every page.

If a company has instructions on what to send, including file type (.doc /.docx /.pdf) or format, be sure to follow that. Note, many Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) only read .doc files (seems strange in today’s world but many companies do not update their systems) and most ATS do not read .pdf files correctly. If a company does not specify a file type, it is best to send a Word file.

Tailor your resume to the position. List relevant coursework, focus on relevant skills, and address your experience in meeting the responsibilities of the position you are applying for.

Give it time. Employers receive many resumes on a daily basis and may take weeks to respond to an application. If a job posting requests that no individuals inquire about the status of their application, honor it. If not, response times vary based on the location of a job, the size of the hiring team, and the number of applications received, but it is generally acceptable to politely inquire after a month has passed with no communication.

At Robin’s Resumes®, we understand that breaking into the job market is no easy task, and requires understanding many details. Contact us today to ensure that your resume exceeds present-day standards.

Robin Schlinger will be presenting on Federal Resumes – “Helping Clients Secure a Federal Job” on CEU One Stop – August 18, 2017 and August 25, 2017. If you want a Federal Resume – contact Robin Schlinger at Robin’s Resumes® today to learn from an industry-leading expert.

“OPM Will Open 2017 Administrative Law Judge Examination – The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) announced it will open the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Examination to interested applicants in the near future by posting a job opportunity announcement on USAJOBS. Please check the USAJOBS website (external link) regularly as application forms and filing instructions are not available in advance but will be included in the ALJ announcement when it is posted.

By applying for the ALJ examination, applicants are essentially applying to be placed on a register (i.e., a list of eligibles), not for a specific job at a specific agency. In order to be placed on the register, an applicant must meet the qualification requirements, successfully complete all components of the ALJ examination and receive a final numerical rating. (Posted August 4, 2017)”

Robin’s Resumes® has successfully helped folks apply for these jobs in the past – and would be pleased to help you.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2017/08/administrative-law-judge-alj-2017/feed/2Four Ways to Charge Up Your Tired Resumehttps://robinresumes.com/2017/08/four-ways-to-charge-up-your-tired-resume/
https://robinresumes.com/2017/08/four-ways-to-charge-up-your-tired-resume/#respondSun, 06 Aug 2017 09:29:57 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2493If you have been sending out your resume for a while without success, it may begin to feel stale to you, let alone hiring managers and recruiters. Maybe it is time to take a fresh look at the contents and give new life to your tired resume.

Make sure your resumeemphasizes real accomplishments, not empty clichés (for example, “highly motivated and strategic-minded professional production supervisor”). Accomplishments such as solving your current employer’s production problems or learning new processes or taking post-college courses show motivation. Accomplishments such as increasing sales 20%, lowering costs $20 million, increasing productivity or efficiency 15%, handling mergers and acquisitions, or serving and retaining customers show that you are responsive to the company’s strategy. Be sure to include quantification where possible.

Make sure your resume focuses on the job you want—not the jobs you had in the past. That means looking at your career to emphasize the accomplishments, skills, and education that prepared you for the job you want. Cut back on or remove information that may make you proud but is badly dated (for example, technology that no one uses anymore except if it shows your path for current technologies) or irrelevant.

Make sure your resume uses words that convey interest and progress in your own career. If every bullet point starts with “responsible for” or “performed,” you should consider whether words such as “led,” “reported,” “delivered,” “supported,” “planned,” or “produced” might restore energy to your tired resume. You must be honest about your role but there are countless synonyms for performing work.

Make sure your resume gives you credit for all you have accomplished. If your resume is a bare-bones list of past jobs or tasks, no hiring manager or recruiter will be interested. You must move beyond the thought that “anyone can do what I do.” The true point is that no one except you has had your exact experience. Once you realize what it is that sets you apart from other candidates, your tired resume will truly come to life.

Are you having trouble identifying accomplishments, focusing on the job you want, writing interesting job descriptions, and recognizing your value to an employer? It is time to bring in a professional resume writer who will help you create a resume that gives you pride and makes hiring managers and recruiters take notice. Contact Robin’s Resumes® today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2017/08/four-ways-to-charge-up-your-tired-resume/feed/0Your Resume Goals in Collegehttps://robinresumes.com/2017/07/your-resume-goals-in-college/
https://robinresumes.com/2017/07/your-resume-goals-in-college/#respondSun, 30 Jul 2017 10:00:34 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2483Soon many of you will be starting or returning to college. Your first priority is to concentrate on your studies, but one of your other priorities should be looking ahead to when you join the workforce. This day may arrive earlier than you expect if you are working your way through college, taking required or independent internships, or hoping to serve as a teacher’s aide or laboratory assistant.

Regardless of how closely your current work (if any) relates to your future career, you want to start thinking about how you will present yourself as a valuable employee after you graduate college.

In terms of your resume, you should try to build credentials in the following areas:

Work Experience: If you can find employment that relates closely to your future career, grab it. However, any work experience is valuable because it shows your discipline, teamwork, and value to a previous employer.

Achievements: Keep track of your college achievements, especially completion of a presentation, practicum, thesis, or project related to your field. Also keep note of any awards or scholarships you receive. They help to differentiate you from the crowd of job applicants. Team projects are just as valuable as independent projects.

Leadership and Teamwork: Join and participate in a campus organization. Try for a position on a board, committee, or executive council, to hone and demonstrate your leadership skills.

Knowledge and Skills: Keep a list of the college courses that relate most directly to your future career. You want to show on your resume that you come with knowledge in your field and have met the educational requirements.

References and Referrals: Talk to your professors and your current employers. They are excellent sources of references and may also be excellent sources of referrals—if they know you.

When it is time to write your resume, remember that your college’s career office is focused on creating resumes for on-campus recruiters. In the wider world, those resumes are inadequate at best because they do not account for the hiring procedures at companies (such as the use of electronic Applicant Tracking Systems). Please contact Robin’s Resumes® for help with your resume.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2017/07/your-resume-goals-in-college/feed/05 Important Soft Skillshttps://robinresumes.com/2017/07/5-important-soft-skills/
https://robinresumes.com/2017/07/5-important-soft-skills/#respondSun, 23 Jul 2017 10:00:17 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2481“Soft skills” are people skills—they are always in high demand at every level of an organization. You may demonstrate your soft skills at every stage of your job search, from the first time you revise or write your resume to the final interview. What soft skills are companies looking for?

Communication. One way to show that you are a good communicator is to make sure that your resume looks and sounds professional, without spelling and grammatical mistakes. Another way to demonstrate communication skills is through examples of achievements that involved talking across departments, helping customers, or leading a team. Finally, a good communicator will be able to talk comfortably with hiring managers and recruiters. If you feel week in any of these areas, it may be time to hire a professional resume writer, join Toastmasters, or take volunteer positions that will help you hone your communication skills.

Flexibility. The achievements on your resume should show that you accept new ideas, new managers, and new approaches to work. Your ability to survive a merger, take on a new role, or implement a change in process or technology are all examples of your flexibility.

Problem-solving. Almost every company or nonprofit runs into a road block at some time, whether it is lack of resources, high turnover, lack of training, or some other problem. Your achievements should include examples when you were aware of problems and helped solve or surmount them.

Organization. This soft skill is apparent in the way your resume is organized. It is also apparent in the way you organize your job search: Did you research the companies where you are applying? Have you kept accurate records of where you sent your resume? When recruiters and hiring managers interview you, are you ready with relevant questions and information?

Your decision to use a professional resume writer like Robin’s Resumes® shows your ability to recognize great communication, take a flexible approach to your job search, solve problems in your resume, organize your job search, and delegate. We will make sure the achievements on your resume reflect your strong soft skills. Contact us today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2017/07/5-important-soft-skills/feed/0What Recruiters and Hiring Managers Are Talking About Nowhttps://robinresumes.com/2017/07/what-recruiters-and-hiring-managers-are-talking-about-now/
https://robinresumes.com/2017/07/what-recruiters-and-hiring-managers-are-talking-about-now/#respondSun, 16 Jul 2017 10:00:02 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2479One of my advantages as a professional resume writer and mentor for other writers is that I keep up with the latest in recruiting information and approaches. I share that information with my clients, so that they know what they need to do to make their resume stand out.

What are recruiters and hiring managers talking about now?

First, they are taking note of the surge in state laws prohibiting companies from asking about a job applicant’s current salary. There are several reasons for these laws. One of the most pressing is that companies often base their salary offer on a simple increase over the applicant’s current salary. An applicant may currently be badly unpaid (one reason for leaving a job) and that pay does not reflect that skills, experience, and education that the applicant currently brings to the job. If a recruiter or hiring manager presses you for your current salary, tell them what salary you are looking for. Your salary goal must be realistic; it should fall within the expected range for that position in that industry and location.

Second, recruiters and hiring managers are talking about corporate values. They are moving away from cultural fit—which often served as a disguise for “someone just like the rest of us.” They are emphasizing, instead, what a candidate offers to help move the company forward into the future, open up the company’s perspective, and support the company’s overall values (such as community service). In your resume, you should give examples of how you have worked with those from other cultures, added your perspective to a decision, or volunteered in your community. You want to show that you bring values and viewpoint to your employer.

Third, recruiters and hiring managers are recognizing that flexibility and autonomy are highly desirable benefits for employees. Today’s employees are happiest when they are trusted to complete projects in their own time in their own way. They want the flexibility to choose the software applications and technologies that will help them work efficiently. They want a better work/life fit, which could include telecommuting or flexible work hours. Do not be afraid to tell recruiters that flexibility and autonomy are important to you. Make sure your resume indicates that you have experience working independently as well as in a team and that the choices you make have increased your efficiency and productivity.

Your resume should show recruiters and hiring managers that you are a strong, confident candidate with the ability to help the company grow if you are given the opportunity. Robin’s Resumes® will help you communicate that and more in your resume.

You haven’t sent your resume out. Your resume can only start working for you when you actually send it to prospective employers. If you are trying to please multiple reviewers, anxious about every comma and period, or worried about presenting yourself correctly, you need the objective help of a professional resume writer.

You don’t know what employers are looking for. Research the companies and positions you are applying for. Read job postings and advertisements. You must know what companies want when they advertise for a specific job opening so that your resume covers those basics or bridges any gap between what you offer and the job demands.

Your resume is too vague. The jargon of the moment—proactive, results oriented—is very tempting but it doesn’t reveal who you are and what you have accomplished. Give specific results first and then explain how you achieved them: “Cut overhead in half by moving payroll function to outside vendor and eliminating 2 internal positions.”

Your resume is too confusing. What type of position are you looking for? What skills, experience, and education do you have for that position? Which of your past achievements are most predictive of your future success? If you don’t know, and simply throw everything into the resume in hopes that employers will sort it out, you are wasting everyone’s time.

You send your resume out only in response to job postings or advertisements. Your resume is an important tool for your job search. You should email it to friends and family, make sure that your LinkedIn or other online profile supports it, carry it with you to networking events, and use it as the basis for your elevator speech. Your research into companies (see #2 above) may reveal that they have a problem you can fix: Don’t wait for them to post a job, but contact them now about your ability to solve their problem.

When your resume isn’t working, you need the help of a professional resume writer. Contact Robin’s Resumes®. We’re here to help.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2017/07/5-reasons-why-your-resume-isnt-working/feed/0Questions about Senior Level Resumeshttps://robinresumes.com/2017/07/questions-about-senior-level-resumes/
https://robinresumes.com/2017/07/questions-about-senior-level-resumes/#respondSun, 02 Jul 2017 10:00:50 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2475Q. I’m applying for my first senior level (director) position. I want my resume to show that I’m ready for the challenge. How do I do that?

A. Good for you for recognizing that your resume must match expectations for a senior level position. When you are listing your skills, make sure that you feature leadership, financial (profit and loss), strategy, and talent development skills. At this level, no one is interested in your skill with Excel or Salesforce but in your ability to understand and meet a company’s goals and inspire others. Include technical strengths in your achievements if they affect the company’s bottom line (“Led conversion of multiple legacy systems to unified CRM system.”) Devote the most space in your resume to your most recent and relevant jobs. If you need two or more pages to summarize your career to date, that’s fine.

Q. I want more responsibility in my next position but my entire career has been in engineering. How do I transition from engineering to a senior leadership role?

A. As a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) with a long career as a chemical engineer and project manager, I understand that you have approached your entire career one way: what do companies expect of an engineer? But now it is time to look at your career another way: what do companies expect of a senior leader? First, they expect the ability to solve problems; as an engineer, you’ve solved problems throughout your career. Second, they expect the ability to work with and lead a team. As an engineer, you have undoubtedly worked with many diverse teams and have probably taken the lead on at least a few projects. Third, your career may have sent you to other countries or involved communications with off-shore peers or clients. Global experience is an important plus for a senior leader. When you take a fresh look at your career—and I can help with that—you will find the experience that prepares you for a senior leadership role.

At Robin’s Resumes®, we help individuals reach their goal of a senior level position with resumes that are specific, targeted, and focused on results. Contact us today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2017/07/questions-about-senior-level-resumes/feed/0What Your Resume Says about Youhttps://robinresumes.com/2017/06/what-your-resume-says-about-you/
https://robinresumes.com/2017/06/what-your-resume-says-about-you/#respondSun, 25 Jun 2017 09:26:45 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2472One of the most important things your resume can say about you—before anyone reads a word—is that you are a professional. How does the resume say that? It is formatted cleanly, with your name and content information clearly visible on top and with consistent alignment, font size, and bolding or italics. On closer inspection, it uses standard English spelling and grammar.

Once hiring managers or recruiters begin to read the resume, it should say that you are qualified for a specific position and meet the requirements of the opening the hiring manager or recruiter wants to fill. How does the resume say that? It begins with these three items: a clear statement of the job you want to apply for, a profile that stresses your most important past achievements, and a list of your skills (especially those that line up with the requirements for the job you want).

Your resume should then assert that you are the best candidate for the job. How does the resume say that? It provides bullet points that home in on your achievements, the way you used your skills and experience to benefit your past employers. It is very specific about those achievements, including the exact results you achieved either by yourself or as part of a team and any recognition you received for those results. If you are applying for a leadership position, your resume should contain examples of mentoring and motivating others, cooperating across divisions or companies, and making difficult decisions.

Finally, your resume should show that you are a continual learner and contributor to your community. How does the resume say that? It concludes with your education, memberships in professional and nonprofit organizations, licenses, and certifications.

You never want your resume to say that you are sloppy, inattentive to detail, desperate for any job at all, whether you are qualified or not, difficult to work with, and unwilling to learn more and take chances.

If you are unsure what your resume is saying about you, please contact Robin’s Resumes®. We will make sure that your professionalism, qualifications, value, and potential are clear to both recruiters and hiring managers.

The companies where you are applying have a good idea of what tasks go into your job—they are advertising for someone who can handle those tasks. What they do not know, and what you must tell them, is why you are better at those tasks than hundreds of other candidates. You do this by describing your achievements.

For example, as a Director of Human Resources, you are expected to hire, train, and fire individuals. Did you also start a training program that reduced turnover by 3%? Did you create a new arbitration process that settled labor grievances faster and at lower cost? Those are unique achievements that make you stand out.

Your career may stretch back 25 or more years, but your resume does not need to do the same. You can handle your earliest career under a single headline, such as “Previous Experience,” where you only list each job title and company name, with as little explanation as possible. You long ago outgrew those earlier positions, and detailing them takes away valuable space from your most recent achievements.

Bad Resume Habit 3: Your resume is suitable for every company everywhere.

You need to target your resume. Begin by gathering advertisements and postings that describe jobs that align with your skills, interests, past experience, and future hopes. Read them carefully to find out what employers are looking for in that field, industry, and geographic location. Research companies on the internet to find out about company culture and expectations.

Make sure your resume accurately shows how your experience, achievements, and skills will meet and exceed each company’s specific expectations. From the job title at the start, through the profile, and including each job description, your resume should focus on honestly giving employers what they are looking for, including the keywords, skills, and experience they detail in their announcements.

Bad Resume Habit 4: Too many people are reviewing your resume.

If you ask 10 people to evaluate your resume, you will receive 100 different answers. You should have an outside reviewer for your resume (preferably, not a relative but someone more objective). However, one or two reviewers are enough.

Even better, you should work with a professional resume writer who has experience, knowledge of current recruiter expectations, formatting skills to make the resume pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) systems as well as human hiring managers, and sharp writing skills.

Let Robin’s Resumes® lead you away from bad resume habits and toward a great resume. Contact us today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2017/06/4-bad-resume-habits-you-should-break-right-now/feed/0Resumes for the Financial Industryhttps://robinresumes.com/2017/06/resumes-for-the-financial-industry/
https://robinresumes.com/2017/06/resumes-for-the-financial-industry/#respondSun, 11 Jun 2017 10:00:03 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2466Are you preparing to enter the financial services industry or to drive your career in that industry to a new level?

Employment in the financial sector usually requires a college degree. Eventually, you may be expected to pass the FINRA Series 7 and 63 exams that demonstrate your understanding of investment terms and accounting practices. (FINRA is the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.) Your resume for the financial industry should emphasize your ability to handle numbers and databases, your attention to detail, and your interactions with customers and coworkers.

As new employee in the financial sector, you can demonstrate your financial skills on your resume through your college courses; through your previous work experience even if it is outside the financial field; and through volunteer activities, such as acting as treasurer for a nonprofit. In a financial resume, it is especially helpful to quantify your accomplishments—finance is about numbers after all. At the entry level, begin now to consider how your college, volunteer, and other work experience could be valuable to the companies where you are applying.

To move up in the financial industry, you might consider earning a master’s degree although there are other paths to advancement. As your experience in the financial industry grows, your resume should focus on describing financial-specific accomplishments and skills. For example, you would stress the size of your monthly commissions, the relationships you have developed with traders at other financial institutions, your additional certifications and licenses, and your commitment to regulatory compliance.

At a more advanced level, you should be specific about budgets, numbers of staff supervised, size of a team you joined, results of actions (“added 35 new customers”), and gains in productivity. Start gathering those numbers now because they are important in demonstrating your potential value to a new employer.

For help in developing your resume for the financial industry, please contact Robin’s Resumes® today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2017/06/resumes-for-the-financial-industry/feed/0Your Personal Rapid Employment Coachhttps://robinresumes.com/2017/06/your-personal-rapid-employment-coach/
https://robinresumes.com/2017/06/your-personal-rapid-employment-coach/#respondSun, 04 Jun 2017 12:00:17 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2463As well as being a certified resume writer, I am a certified 5 Steps to Rapid Employment coach, using Jay A. Block’s method to help job seekers find and position themselves for their ideal job. One of the reasons that I have qualified myself as an employment coach is that so many job seekers come to me beaten down by their experiences in the job market. Until they see themselves as valuable candidates, they will have trouble presenting themselves that way.

If you are one of those who are struggling with the shock of being let go, with unpleasant or unsatisfying work conditions that undermine your self-confidence, or with general feelings of unworthiness, please know you are not alone. Job searches are stressful.

In fact, the first step in the 5 Steps to Rapid Employment is to manage fear and negative emotions that block success. I often find that the process of writing a resume helps to decrease that fear and negativity. You begin to realize how far you have risen from your first job, accept that you have skills and accomplishments that are unique to your experiences, and consider how valuable you might be to a future employer.

Writing a resume also helps with the second step: Define clear job and career goals. None of us can claim to be suited to every job in the universe. As the resume forms, you will get a clearer idea of what you really want out of a job and what your future employer can expect from you.

Sometimes job seekers limit themselves by defining a job by its title—once a project coordinator, always a project coordinator. But you may have skills that are transferrable to other jobs or that qualify you for the same job under a different title (for example, administrative assistant) or in a different industry.

As a 5 Steps to Rapid Employment coach, I will help you develop a value-based resume and a strategic plan to speed up your job search. Contact me today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2017/06/your-personal-rapid-employment-coach/feed/0Resume Advice from a Marketing Writerhttps://robinresumes.com/2017/05/resume-advice-from-a-marketing-writer/
https://robinresumes.com/2017/05/resume-advice-from-a-marketing-writer/#respondSun, 28 May 2017 09:26:02 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2456I have often mentioned that resumes are not life stories but marketing documents, intended to “sell” you to a company who will then invite you in to an interview. This is exactly the way marketing brochures, websites, and other collateral are intended to work: a customer becomes interested and contacts the company for more information on the product or service.

So I thought it might help to have a marketing writer’s perspective on what a marketing document—in this case the resume that markets you—should and should not do.

Marketing documents should always address a specific customer—not the world at large. In resume terms, this means that you should focus your resume on meeting the specific requirements of the job and position you are interested in. You cannot possibly be all candidates to all industries. Even shoe stores are sectioned off in athletic, dressy, comfort, men’s, women’s, and children’s shoes.

Marketing documents should offer a solution to the customer’s problem. In resume terms, that means your resume should let the company know what value you will bring to the position. A dozen people might have your background without ever accomplishing what you accomplish. Only you can offer your special combination of skills, insights, and achievements to solve the company’s problem.

Marketing documents should be clear and concise. In resume terms, this goal holds up exactly as stated with short, punchy bullet points outlining your career.

Marketing documents should be interesting. “Interesting” in resumes means, in part, that you vary your verbs. “Responsible for” is one of the most boring constructions; try “leads” or “improves” or “enhances” or “facilitates” or any number of other verbs.

Marketing documents should be specific. In resume terms, this means you should provide specifics about your achievements such as the number of people affected, the revenue produced, or the improvement generated. You should also be specific about the size, location, and primary business of the companies you worked for in the past, especially for little known companies.

Marketing documents should sound and look professional. A professional resume writer not only helps create a professional look and content for your resume, but keeps up on the latest expectations of hiring managers, recruiters, and electronic applicant tracking systems.

Marketing documents start working when they are sent out. The longer you struggle with your resume and fail to send it out, the longer you will wait for invitations to interview. As a professional electronic career coach and job career transition coach (JCTC), as well as a professional resume writer, I can give you the advice and support you may need to send your resume out into the world.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2017/05/resume-advice-from-a-marketing-writer/feed/0Resumes That Get You What You Wanthttps://robinresumes.com/2017/05/resumes-that-get-you-what-you-want/
https://robinresumes.com/2017/05/resumes-that-get-you-what-you-want/#respondSun, 21 May 2017 09:21:22 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2454Before you start the resume writing process, you should answer one question: what do you want?

You must know the position and the industry you are aiming for, because hiring managers and recruiters will not spend time thinking about where they could use you. That is your job: to write a resume that shows them you are the right person for the opening they have and you want.

How do you find out what you want?

First, allow yourself the freedom to consider what you want without restrictions such as the size of your mortgage or student loans. For this stage of the exercise, you are without any obligation but pleasing yourself.

Second, make lists of the things you do well, the things you like to do, and the things you really hate to do. Do not edit these lists because you are afraid the things you like are trivial or the things you do well have no value. The value of each item on your list will depend greatly on the industry, the position, and even on the individual hiring manager.

Third, list your skills, education, and previous achievements.

Fourth, put those lists aside for at least a day and then begin to play with the lists—again, giving yourself the freedom to do nothing but please yourself. Your goal is to combine the information you have in as many new ways as possible, maximizing the things you do well and like to do. Look through job postings and advertisements for words that match your lists; there are probably many more matching careers than you have realized.

Fifth, build yourself a supportive team. Now that you know what you want and you know your goals, you need people to help you. You may want to talk to others who have the type of position you’re looking for to find out about their career path. You may want to join professional groups or online sites like LinkedIn where you can network for the job you want. Talk to family and friends; you will need their support, too. However, be prepared that sometimes family and friends may limit you; they may see you how you are, not how you may be.

You may find that your perfect career requires adding some skills, experience, or education. You may find that you are willing to take on one of things you hate (a change in geographic location, for example) to gain all the things you like. You need a supportive team to help you make those changes.

As a certified and professional Resume Writer, certified Career and Job Transition Coach, and certified 5 Steps to Rapid Employment coach, I know many folks need professional guidance for this process. I have helped many others take these steps. I am ready to help you also.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2017/05/resumes-that-get-you-what-you-want/feed/0The Worst Resume Advicehttps://robinresumes.com/2017/05/the-worst-resume-advice/
https://robinresumes.com/2017/05/the-worst-resume-advice/#respondSun, 14 May 2017 10:00:21 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2452A couple of years ago, I wrote The 10 Worst Resume Suggestions You Ever Received. It is time to update that list with a few more examples of the world’s worst resume advice for job hunters.

Do not say anything that sounds like bragging. Then hope that companies will be awed by your lack of success, progress, and confidence.

Fill your resume with acronyms so that hiring managers and recruiters are struck dumb with admiration. They will also feel dumb—hiring managers and recruiters do not actually understand every acronym used by every specialty in every company in the world.

Do not tie yourself down to a specific job title. Leave it to hiring managers to figure out where you might fit in their company; they have nothing better to do.

Do not read job postings or advertisements to get a handle on what companies are looking for. If you pile on enough achievements and skills, you are bound to be qualified for something somewhere, right?

Be sure to fill social media with your complaints and rants about your current job. Hold on to your belief that constant complainers are high on everyone’s list of best employees or that hiring managers never consult social media.

Never network; ignore your friends, coworkers, family, and peers when you are job hunting. Stick to the computer and hope that the perfect job finds you.

Do not proofread. Trust your online grammar and spelling checkers, which never make mistakes, like accepting fiancé when you meant to write finance.

Lather on the adjectives. Who cares what you actually have accomplished as long as it was “best in class” or “unparalleled” or “state of the art” or “exceptional”?

Do not check your contact information. Trust that you will never transpose a number, write different email addresses on different pages, or abbreviate your state the wrong way.

Refuse to talk with a professional resume writer. What do professionals know anyway?

At Robin’s Resumes®, I am dedicated as always to steering job hunters away from bad advice.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2017/05/the-worst-resume-advice/feed/0Which Resume Writer Should You Hire?https://robinresumes.com/2017/05/which-resume-writer-should-you-hire/
https://robinresumes.com/2017/05/which-resume-writer-should-you-hire/#commentsSun, 07 May 2017 10:00:57 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2450Deciding on a resume writer can be difficult because your resume is such an important document in your job search. When you are deciding whom to hire, ask the candidates these five questions:

What are your credentials? The resume writing profession offers several opportunities for certification. Having those certifications—for example, Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Certified Master Resume Writer (CMRW)—plus years of experience are signs of true professionalism.

Will I work directly with you?You want to be sure that the person you are talking to and the person with the credentials is the person who will actually write your resume. You do not want to be shunted off to a junior writer you never met.

May I see samples of your work?If you do not like the samples you see, you will not like your own resume. If samples are not available, then likely the resume writer has minimal experience.

What is your process? This question covers a lot of variables, from the interview process to payment terms. Your main concern should be the interview process. You do not want a writer who will merely edit or proofread your existing resume. You want to work with someone who will dive deep to come up with a strong, professional resume that targets the job you want.

A good way to find a professional resume writer is through referrals or by searching for a writer who clearly has the respect of peers, with requests to speak at industry and educational venues.

As a long-time credentialed resume writer who has spoken before many groups, mentored other writers, and worked with job applicants from college graduate to C-level executive, I am proud to show off samples of my work and to describe my process. I will work with you one-on-one to make sure that your resume presents you in a professional manner and is targeted to your job search. Please contact me.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2017/05/which-resume-writer-should-you-hire/feed/2Resume Questions and Answershttps://robinresumes.com/2017/04/resume-questions-and-answers-2/
https://robinresumes.com/2017/04/resume-questions-and-answers-2/#respondSun, 30 Apr 2017 09:59:07 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2445Q. During my career as an executive secretary, I have worked in four companies in different industries but my job duties have remained pretty much the same, as has my title. I love what I do, but how can I show progress in my career as I look for my next position?

A. When you are applying for an executive secretary position, the other candidates probably have skills, education, and responsibilities that are very similar to yours. So what makes the difference between one candidate and another? Accomplishments. You need to rethink your resume in terms of what you accomplished at each position, not the tasks you performed. That will not only distinguish you from the competition but distinguish your former jobs from each other. Robin’s Resumes® can help.

Q. I have been reading resume books and taking advice from friends—and I still have no idea what kind or style of resume I should be writing. No one seems to agree. How do I know what the best resume is?

A. The “best” resume is one that is tailored to you and to your career goals. What is perfect for one job applicant may not serve another one at all. At Robin’s Resumes® we interview you and take into account your experience, your achievements, your industry and your expectations. We also keep up-to-date on the current expectations of hiring managers and recruiters; we know what they want to see in a resume.

Q. I have left the military and am looking for a civilian job. How do I make my military experience marketable in civilian life?

A. During your military career, you have demonstrated a commitment to finishing tasks, working collaboratively in a team, setting goals, and managing projects. Depending on your rank or area of specialization, you may have financial, organization management, or leadership skills; you may have a valuable security clearance; and you may have valuable government contacts. You may need help translating your military experience into terms that civilians will understand and value. Over the years, I have had the pleasure of working with extraordinary folks from every branch of the military. Please contact me.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2017/04/resume-questions-and-answers-2/feed/0Keep Your Resume Positivehttps://robinresumes.com/2017/04/keep-your-resume-positive/
https://robinresumes.com/2017/04/keep-your-resume-positive/#respondSun, 23 Apr 2017 09:54:04 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2442Your resume is a marketing document—it markets you. You want hiring managers and recruiters to come away from your resume feeling positive about you as a candidate and potential employee. Here are six ways you can help ensure that:

Remove negative facts about your career path. Your future employee does not need to know that you had personality conflicts, problems meeting sales or other goals, a difficult boss, or health issues.

Remove any information that ranks you below other candidates. For example, if you are a recent college graduate and barely passed; if you ranked in the bottom half of your sales team; if you failed to get a promotion that you should have received—do not share that information.

Do not compare your achievements to anyone else’s. Maybe everyone in your office became “employee of the month” at some point; your award is still your achievement. Maybe President’s Club status was easy for you to achieve compared to your peers; that doesn’t lessen its impact on a resume.

Do not pan your former employer with statements about “unrealistic expectations,” “confusing lines of authority,” or “unethical behavior.” You might state that you offered steady leadership through many changes in owners, for example; that you collaborated across silos; or that you finished a project that experienced multiple delays. But be very careful to watch the boundary between your achievements and your former employer’s short-comings.

Do not focus on skills you lack as a candidate. Instead, present them as skills you are capable of learning, as you have learned so many skills in the past. This is particularly important for those in technical fields where postings may include an exhaustive (and exhausting) list of preferred skills.

Focus on your positive accomplishments as an employee. Your resume is not your life story. You are allowed to focus on the achievements that make you proud, not the moments that led you to seek another job. Negative moments are over and done with. Hiring managers and recruiters want to hear what you are good at, not what you need to improve.

Robin’s Resumes® makes sure to do like the old song says: accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative. We give you a resume that introduces you to hiring managers and recruiters in the best possible way.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2017/04/keep-your-resume-positive/feed/0Write Your Resume with Facts—Not Adjectiveshttps://robinresumes.com/2017/04/write-your-resume-with-facts-not-adjectives/
https://robinresumes.com/2017/04/write-your-resume-with-facts-not-adjectives/#respondSun, 16 Apr 2017 09:51:07 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2440Hyperbole is an exaggerated statement or claim. When you claim that you are a “world-champion” sales person or an “extraordinary” team player, you are engaged in hyperbole if you do not back those claims up with real statistics and results.

Resumes that are heavy on adjectives, like “world-champion,” “state-of-the-art,” “exceptional” or “extraordinary,” are weak resumes because anyone can make those claims. Strong resumes use facts—especially numbers—to prove that you are an exceptional candidate.

Look at the difference between these two examples:

Award-winning sales professional who closes exceptional deals with unmatched technical savvy and unique ability to form long-lasting relationships with premier technology leaders.

Award-winning sales professional who grew sales 110% above the national average in one year by building relationships with Chief Information Officers (CIOs) and other technology leaders.

The first example is written with adjectives galore: award-winning, exceptional, unmatched, unique, long-lasting, premier. However, every word could apply to any sales professional, and there is no way to prove the claims.

The second example has only two adjectives: award-winning and national. The numbers confirm the claims and specific facts about methods (“building relationships with CIOs”) place the statements firmly in reality.

A resume is like any other marketing document: at some point, most readers expect you to prove your claims before they will close the deal. Hiring managers and recruiters will not hire you simply because you keep saying you are the greatest; you have to show what you can do through statistics, accomplishments, awards, testimonials, and other facts that highlight your knowledge and skills.

A limited use of adjectives in a resume is fine. Hyperbole is not.

At Robin’s Resumes®, we write about your talents and ability in a way that hiring managers and recruiters respect. Your achievements should never sound like an empty boast. We make sure they set you apart from the competition.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2017/04/write-your-resume-with-facts-not-adjectives/feed/0The Value Proposition in Your Resumehttps://robinresumes.com/2017/04/the-value-proposition-in-your-resume/
https://robinresumes.com/2017/04/the-value-proposition-in-your-resume/#respondSun, 09 Apr 2017 09:48:15 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2437Employers, hiring managers, and recruiters expect to find more than one candidate with the skills and education they are looking for. How can you stand out from a crowd of applicants with similar qualifications? Through your value proposition.

Your value proposition embraces the unique details of your career and your individual approach to challenges and opportunities. Are you the strategist in an organization or the implementer? Do you build teams through mentoring or savvy recruiting? Are you interested in the voice of the consumer or in selling to executives in other companies? How do you approach technology, the supply chain, or corporate silos? Have you survived or contributed to or led a merger, acquisition, or joint venture? Have you won awards, promotions, or roles denied to your peers?

Your value proposition defines what you can bring to a potential employer that no one else brings. It should be clearly expressed in the executive summary of your resume and in the achievements you choose to highlight.

You cannot possibly be all things to all companies. You have specific strengths, goals, roles, and expertise that you are comfortable with and would like to develop. Your value proposition is your chance to match your needs to the company’s needs, to your mutual benefit.

A large part of my job as a professional resume writer is to draw out the value proposition from my clients. Often job applicants are so focused on the details of a job posting—the skills, education, and years of employment requested by a company—that they end up with a cookie-cutter resume. They forget to stress their own hard-won accomplishments and perspectives that no one else can match and no one else can offer.

Contact Robin’s Resumes® for a resume that highlights your value proposition and helps you stand out from the pack.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2017/04/the-value-proposition-in-your-resume/feed/0Professional Email Cover Letters for Your Resumehttps://robinresumes.com/2017/04/professional-email-cover-letters-for-your-resume/
https://robinresumes.com/2017/04/professional-email-cover-letters-for-your-resume/#respondSun, 02 Apr 2017 09:43:25 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2435Your resume is often sent as an attachment to an email. An email cover letter establishes closer contact with a hiring manager or recruiter. It may not be read, but it certainly will not be read if it does not exist!

Your email cover letter should have the following parts:

Header: Use the same header as in your resume. This conveys a professional image if it is a print cover letter.

Salutation: Like formal cover letters, email cover letters should start professionally and preferably with the name of the recruiter or hiring manager. It is important to find a name if possible (you can do this using LinkedIn for many cases). Use Dear Mr. Smith. If you do not have a name, “Dear Hiring Manager:” is acceptable.

Body: Keep your email short—a few lines to highlight your accomplishments and your fit for the position. Use a font that is the same as the font on your resume; is readable (no handwriting or Old English fonts); and has a professional look and feel (no Comic Sans).

Close: A recent survey by Boomerang, an email provider, found that response rates for emails were highest when the emails closed with a “thank you.”

Contact Information: Make sure you provide not only your name but all of your contact information as it appears on the resume: Name, Street Address, City, State and Zip, phone number, email address (yes, repeat the email address even though you are emailing). If you have a LinkedIn profile or online portfolio, you should include those links.

Attach your resume to the email in the format requested by the recruiter, hiring manager, or posting. Most companies ask for Word documents. As always, make sure you are sending from a professional email account (preferably your first and last names) and that you have double checked the email address you are sending to.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2017/04/professional-email-cover-letters-for-your-resume/feed/0Stand Out in a Good Way: 6 Resume Tipshttps://robinresumes.com/2017/03/stand-out-in-a-good-way-6-resume-tips/
https://robinresumes.com/2017/03/stand-out-in-a-good-way-6-resume-tips/#respondSun, 26 Mar 2017 09:31:40 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2425You want your resume to stand out from the hundreds of others that a recruiter or hiring manager sees each day. Here are 6 resume tips to make yourself memorable—in a good way.

Very clearly state upfront what type of position you are interested in and what you have achieved in the past that would be valuable for a new employer. That means your headline (for example, HR Consultant or Vice President of Sales) and your summary must be targeted for the positions and industries you are most interested in.

If leadership roles aren’t available to you in your current position, take on leadership in a nonprofit or professional organization. Show that you have soft skills such as mentoring, communicating, developing strategy, and following through on a project that have value to any organization.

Add to your professional credentials by taking a course, especially one that results in certification. In-house training definitely counts. Even better, give a course or fulfill a speaking engagement. If you aren’t sure of your speaking skills, join Toastmasters or a similar group.

Develop relationships with individuals in other departments in your organization or with vendors and consultants. The ability to break down silos, share information across specialties, and participate in ad hoc teams is one that most organizations appreciate highly.

Help a customer. You might help by re-writing instructions so they are more intelligible, by championing a customer’s issue, by finding a solution to problems customers present over and over to your current company—there are lots of ways to help customers that may not even involve direct customer contact.

Think in terms of numbers. Sales people are used to presenting their achievements as units sold or dollar amounts received or ranking against other sales people. But numbers occur everywhere. Perhaps you completed a project on time (how fast?), under budget (by what amount?), with a team (how many people?), despite previous failures (how many others tried?), and benefited customers (how many?).

When your resume is focused and achievement oriented, shows off your soft skills, and provides detail, you become an individual rather than one of many job applicants. Are you having difficulty writing a resume that follows these 6 tips? Contact Robin’s Resumes® today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2017/03/stand-out-in-a-good-way-6-resume-tips/feed/0Change Management and Your Resumehttps://robinresumes.com/2017/03/change-management-and-your-resume/
https://robinresumes.com/2017/03/change-management-and-your-resume/#respondSun, 19 Mar 2017 09:29:16 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2423Change management covers the processes, tools, and strategies that a company needs to improve its performance or culture or to achieve goals and address issues.

Change is never easy, and companies often find that employees are reluctant and even obstructive when asked to adapt a different way of acting, handling projects, developing products, interacting with customers, and so on. But in today’s global, regulated, and innovative economy, change is a necessity to keep up with and surpass the competition.

Whether you are a leader in change management or one of a team who instituted changes, your experience is valuable. Are you familiar with Kanban, Lean, Six Sigma, 5S or other efficiency and productivity programs? Are you involved with the IT side of change management or the human resources side or with C-level strategy?

Change management involves many different levels in an organization from executives to stakeholders to hourly employees. Have you demonstrated the ability to communicate at different levels and to lead a change, no matter how minor, that increased the efficiency, improved the culture, or addressed a persistent problem in the company?

Change management is also an integral part of coaching, mentoring, and training employees. In this case, you may not be affecting the organization as a whole, just one individual. But if you enabled that individual to perform better and advance in the organization, you performed a service that many companies appreciate. You are able to develop talent that the company needs.

Often, when we are in the midst of change, we do not give ourselves credit for simple survival. Did your company experience a merger, leadership changes, downsizing, or an acquisition or divestiture during your time there? Those are stressful events. If you were asked to stay on during and after those changes, you are clearly a valued employee. If you helped to make the transition easier, you have demonstrated skills that make you attractive to other companies.

Let Robin’s Resumes® help you discover your change management successes and promote them in your resume.

Professional Writing: Unless you yourself are a professional resume writer, you probably have not kept up with the latest in resume expectations by hiring managers and recruiters. As an award winning Certified Master Resume Writer, Certified Professional Resume Writer, and invited speaker on careers and resumes, I am proud to present my clients with well-written, well-designed resumes that meet the latest criteria and expectations.

Professional Advice: As a Job and Career Transition Coach and a Certified Electronic Career Coach, I have worked with job seekers in many industries, at all levels. I can advise you on how to position your resume for a transition in career, industry, or location. As a graduate of MIT with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering, I can also advise you on how to present technical information in a way that recruiters and hiring managers will understand.

Advocacy: When you are in the midst of a job hunt, you may feel beaten down. You may disparage your achievements or forget important milestones entirely. You may feel that everything you do is something “anyone” could do or that you have issues (for example, a gap in employment) that are hard to overlook. I’m here to draw out the achievements, hard and soft skills, and contributions which identify you as a candidate worth interviewing. Then I write up that information to highlight your potential value to future employers.

Restraint: You may feel that your best chance for being hired is to throw everything into your resume, from your first job walking the neighbor’s dog to an itemized list of your everyday tasks. You may apply for jobs that do not match your skills or career path. As a professional resume writer, I target your resume for the position you truly want and deserve. Companies have specific requirements for each opening they advertise. My job is to write a resume that shows how well you meet and can meet those requirements, positioning you as a strong candidate.

Confidence: Over and over again, I have sent a client a draft resume and heard their confidence levels rise as they realize how much they have accomplished over the years and how much they have to offer. A strong resume is a document you are proud to hand to your network, post online, send to a company, and talk about in an interview. It provides a foundation for your profile on LinkedIn or other social media sites.

If writing is not your primary skill, if you are confused about your career path or how to present it, if you are not getting interviews, if your are confused about how much or how little to say in a resume, and if you need a boost of confidence, please contact Robin’s Resumes® today. We can help with a resume that reflects professional writing, professional advice, advocacy, restraint, and confidence.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2017/03/5-top-reasons-for-hiring-a-resume-writer/feed/0Resume Advice for College Studentshttps://robinresumes.com/2017/03/resume-advice-for-college-students/
https://robinresumes.com/2017/03/resume-advice-for-college-students/#respondSun, 05 Mar 2017 10:20:41 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2419Q. I am going to be graduating soon with a degree in economics but I really want to work in the fashion industry. How can I apply for jobs when all my education is pointing in the wrong direction?

A. Many of us find that our careers take off in directions that have little if anything to do with our degree. I’m a professional resume writer but my degree from MIT is in Chemical Engineering. That does not mean my degree is worthless, as it uniquely qualifies me to write technical resumes.

You should take a look at your courses from the point of view of a potential employer who is interested in employees who understand business finances, who work efficiently and creatively, and who follow through successfully on a project. You have probably accomplished all that and more during your college years, whatever your degree. You might also look for part-time or volunteer opportunities (for example, a fashion show fundraiser in your case) related to your desired profession.

Q. Is it worthwhile to mention my work history when it has nothing to do with my degree or the career I want to pursue?

A. The answer here is closely related to the previous answer. Every job, no matter what the industry, involves skills that companies are interested in: reliability, communication, teamwork, leadership, and a strong work ethic. The fact that you have worked while earning a degree is impressive, regardless of the type of job. When writing your resume, do not focus on the day-to-day tasks you handled but on the contribution you made as an employee.

Q. Is it a good idea to ask my professors for letters of recommendation?

A. You should ask if your professors would be willing to serve as references, allow you to post their recommendations online on professional sites like LinkedIn, or include a brief version of their recommendations in your resume. Do not list “references available on request” on your resume and do not pester your professors for repeated letters. The company you are applying to will let you know if they want references. At that point, alert potential references that a company is likely to contact them, whether by phone or email, and make sure they are still willing to recommend you.

At Robin’s Resumes® we help many college students with their critical first resume. Contact us today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2017/03/resume-advice-for-college-students/feed/0Misleading Job Titles: Are They Hurting Your Resume?https://robinresumes.com/2017/02/misleading-job-titles-are-they-hurting-your-resume/
https://robinresumes.com/2017/02/misleading-job-titles-are-they-hurting-your-resume/#respondSun, 26 Feb 2017 10:25:27 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2431The companies you are applying to know what position they are trying to fill. They search for someone with a job title and history that matches their expectations for the position.

However, your own company might have a different approach to job titles. You should never change your job title on your resume: you should use the title your company uses. However, you may need to bridge the gap between your current title and your actual responsibilities, accomplishments, and contribution to your company.

Even the clearest job title, like Executive Assistant, might not sum up all you do. One executive assistant might take on project management responsibilities. Another might function more as a secretary. A third might run the company in the owner’s absence. Sometimes you need more than one job title at the start of your resume to show what you are really capable of: Executive Assistant & Project Manager.

Your accomplishments can include any duties outside the “normal” definition of your job title: “assumed leadership of the company in President’s absence.” Part of my job as a professional resume writer is to make sure that you give yourself credit for those extra duties.

Your job title might be too unusual. You may need to relate a title like Chief Strategist or Software Mastermind or Product Champion to a more standard title: Product Champion (Vice President of Product Development). Clever titles are fun but companies who are looking to hire do not have time to puzzle out their meaning.

Your job title might be standard for your profession but not well known. Someone who is hiring for the first time might not know the difference, for example, between a Corporate Marketing Director and a Chief Marketing Officer. Make sure your accomplishments clearly demonstrate to hiring managers and recruiters your responsibilities, knowledge, and contribution to your current company.

Take control of your career and your job search with a clearly defined title that reflects your value. Robin’s Resumes® is here to help.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2017/02/misleading-job-titles-are-they-hurting-your-resume/feed/0Your Brag File and Your Resumehttps://robinresumes.com/2017/02/your-brag-file-and-your-resume/
https://robinresumes.com/2017/02/your-brag-file-and-your-resume/#commentsSun, 19 Feb 2017 10:49:09 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2415Have you recently finished a major project at work (as a leader or team member, received recognition or a promotion, or finished a career-related course or certification? Then it is time to make an entry into your “brag file.” All too often, after some time has passed, we tend to forget past achievements and milestones. We downplay them in our minds as we move onto the next challenge. Yet, those achievements are the backbone of your resume.

When it is time to revise your resume for your next job search, you should reach into your brag file for the right achievements to impress recruiters and hiring managers. As a professional resume writer and career coach, I find that brag files help me to understand a client’s strengths and what new opportunities might be available based on those past achievements.

When you are updating your brag file, include changes in:

The results of a project you led or worked on. That projected yearly savings of $200,000 may have actually become $400,000. That suggestion you made to your team members may have become the standard for your entire company.

Your current work situation. Did you survive a merger or change in leadership? Were you transferred to another department or region? Has your title changed? Do more or fewer people report to you? Did you receive a promotion in an exceptionally short time? You should keep information about both the before and after situations.

Knowledge you’ve acquired. This is often the hardest information to recall after a time; we tend to believe that we “always” knew what we know now and we forget our struggles to acquire that knowledge. A list of courses and certifications you have earned is a good starting place, but try to keep track of any major skill or body of knowledge that you master in the course of your career, even if the mastering was easy for you.

The company you currently work for. Did your company expand or contract? How many employees are currently working there and what is its annual revenue? Did its main product or service, name, or location change?

By periodically updating your brag file, you will be ahead of the curve when you are ready to leave your current position. When it is time for you to formally update your resume, please contact me at Robin’s Resumes®.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2017/02/your-brag-file-and-your-resume/feed/13 Fixes for Technical Resumeshttps://robinresumes.com/2017/02/3-fixes-for-technical-resumes/
https://robinresumes.com/2017/02/3-fixes-for-technical-resumes/#respondSun, 12 Feb 2017 10:45:12 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2413Q. I have a lot of technical skills, with certifications in several software programs, but employers always want more. How can I convince them that I am fully capable of learning those skills quickly and becoming the expert they want?

A. Many companies are guilty of asking for an impossible set of technical skills in their ads, job postings, or directions to recruiters. At Robin’s Resumes®, we can align technical resumes with those unrealistic expectations by including a section dedicated to potential skills that you are capable of learning. In describing achievements, we also emphasize how, in previous jobs, you were able to quickly get up to speed on new technology, software, processes, and projects. One or both of these methods should work for your technical resume.

Q. Most resume advice tells you to place the education section at the end of your resume. But I recently received my MBA in project management so that I can change to project management after many years of working in technical positions. Is it okay to put the education section first?

A. Usually, only recent college graduates place their education before their work experience. In your case, there are several ways of presenting this new degree that is so important to your career transition. For example: (1) Your degree could follow your name in the heading: John Jones, MBA. (2) Your MBA in project management could become a major bullet point in your summary, as well as an item under Education at the end of your resume. (3) Your achievements can be worded to show that, even in a technical role, you were a team and project leader.

Q. I want to work with a professional resume writer but I am astounded at how little most of them know about technology and the field I am in. They keep asking me to spell out acronyms and dumb down language. How can I get them to appreciate my level of expertise?

A. Two problems are interacting here. The first problem is that resume writers deal with people working in a wide variety of industries and cannot be expected to have expertise in all of them. I am somewhat unique in that I have a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)—so I am definitely comfortable with technical resumes. The second problem is that your resume has to be readable by people who may not be experts in your field, including recruiters and hiring managers in Human Resources. When it comes to acronyms and technical terms, you should be careful about assuming that “everyone knows that.” Often, an acronym is so specific to the company or industry where you currently work that even hiring managers are unfamiliar with it. You do not want to limit your potential job offers by refusing to clarify acronyms and technical terms.

At Robin’s Resumes®, we welcome technical resumes and solving the challenges they may present. Contact us today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2017/02/3-fixes-for-technical-resumes/feed/0Brag a Little on Your Resumehttps://robinresumes.com/2017/02/brag-a-little-on-your-resume/
https://robinresumes.com/2017/02/brag-a-little-on-your-resume/#respondSun, 05 Feb 2017 10:39:15 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2411The other day I was working with a client who started a comment with “I don’t like to brag but….” I laughed and told her that her resume was one place where she should never worry about bragging. A little bit of bragging goes a long way in making your resume stand out from the competition.

What type of bragging is most beneficial on a resume?

Exceeding goals. Your company set a goal of a 5% increase in sales and you reached 8%. (You get credit whether you individually or your team exceeded the goal.)

Taking on responsibility. You were asked to join or lead a team as 1 out of several dozen (or several thousand) eligible employees.

Receiving an award. You were Employee of the Month or selected to the President’s Circle in a previous or current job.

Earning a patent, publishing a paper, or presenting. These achievements belong on your resume.

Succeeding where no one else could. Two previous people in your position were unable to solve the problem, but you solved it. (Don’t forget to explain how.)

Being recommended for training. Your prior company invested the time and money to have you attend special training courses.

Breaking through silos. Companies appreciate employees who can talk to executives, explain technical information to nontechnical staff, collaborate with vendors, and make customers happy.

Introducing a new process or product. You set up the company’s first website; you developed the packaging for the company’s newest product; you recommended new software that improved efficiency.

Surviving. You were retained after a merger. You turned around a failing region or division. You saw the company through economic hard times.

All of the above are good reasons to brag on your resume. In fact, companies are very interested in hearing about your achievements and successes. So go ahead: boast a little. I would be delighted to help you.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2017/02/brag-a-little-on-your-resume/feed/0Your Past Employers: What New Employers Need to Knowhttps://robinresumes.com/2017/01/your-past-employers-what-new-employers-need-to-know/
https://robinresumes.com/2017/01/your-past-employers-what-new-employers-need-to-know/#respondSun, 29 Jan 2017 10:28:01 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2407Your resume is, in part, a history of your career to date. The companies you are applying to want to know if you have a track record of success in their industry, customer base and geographic reach.

Often job applicants seem to expect hiring managers and recruiters to be familiar with every company on the planet. It is much better and more realistic to assume that no one is familiar with the companies you worked for in the past.

You should include the following information about each company where you previously worked:

What they do (manufacturing, service, construction, healthcare and so on)

Their size ($5M revenue, 25 employees)

Their market (4 regions, global, EMEA)

Whether they are still in existence (formerly known as…, merged with…)

Most of this information you can find online with a search on the company name. You should keep your description very brief. For example: “Provider of analytical engineering solutions, with 6000 employees across 10 countries.” A large company may have many different divisions, projects, programs and markets. Focus your brief description on the areas that directly concern your job search.

If you made a significant contribution to the health or growth of a company, you should provide before and after figures or a percentage of change. Projections are also acceptable for recent accomplishments (“Acquired five new clients, projected to bring in $4M each over the next year”).

As always, make sure you use the current version of the company name (Wal-Mart is now Walmart), include the location where you worked and provide the dates when you were employed.

You should not offer the following information: reasons why you left, the name of your supervisor and the amount you earned, unless you are applying for a federal government position and the information is required.

Robin’s Resumes® helps job seekers like you with clear, accurate and concise resumes that show their full potential to employers. Contact us today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2017/01/your-past-employers-what-new-employers-need-to-know/feed/0Contact Information: Five Resume Mistakeshttps://robinresumes.com/2017/01/contact-information-five-resume-mistakes/
https://robinresumes.com/2017/01/contact-information-five-resume-mistakes/#respondSun, 22 Jan 2017 10:24:42 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2405The contact information on your resume is very important. Companies can’t hire you if they can’t find you. You want to avoid the following five mistakes when providing your contact information.

Mistake #1: Providing your work phone number or work email account. Most job searches are best conducted without the knowledge of your current employer. Your work phone and email are not private. You should open a personal email account that uses your full name (johnsmith@gmail.com) and, if necessary, you should purchase a personal cell phone specifically for your job search.

Mistake #2: Hiding your physical location. Many employment opportunities are geographically limited and employers are reluctant to hire someone outside their location. In any case, you would have trouble convincing an employer that you live in San Diego when you are still working full time in Chicago.

Provide a mailing address. If you are relocating, get a box in the new location you want to move to (unless you are flexible about locations). You can then say you are in the process of relocating.

Mistake #3: Making errors in your contact information. You seldom need to write down your cell phone number, for example, so when you do write it down, it is easy to transpose numbers. Double and triple check your contact information. In fact, I often advise clients to phone and email themselves using just the information on the resume to make sure everything is correct and the connection is solid.

Mistake #4: Not updating your contact information. If you have ever moved, lost a cell phone, changed an internet provider—and who hasn’t?—your contact information may be outdated. When you update your resume, make sure you update your contact information.

Mistake #5: Sending contacts to a blank or incomplete page online. This might happen with LinkedIn and other social media sites or with your personal website: the URL is correct but the page itself is blank, incomplete or amateurish. Your online profile should be as professional as your resume and any personal website (for example, a portfolio of your work) should achieve the highest standards of content and design.

At Robin’s Resumes®, we make sure your resume is accurate and complete from first page to last.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2017/01/contact-information-five-resume-mistakes/feed/0Your Resume on Social Mediahttps://robinresumes.com/2017/01/your-resume-on-social-media/
https://robinresumes.com/2017/01/your-resume-on-social-media/#respondSun, 15 Jan 2017 10:50:43 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2403In an earlier blog post, I mentioned using social media to aid your job search. One of the major ways to do this is to have a professional profile on LinkedIn or other professional sites.

These days, the majority of recruiters and hiring managers use social media to search for the ideal candidate or to find out more about a candidate. However, your own company is probably among them, and you do not want your company to know you are looking to move on.

Most social media sites allow you to communicate with people privately and hide certain activities, which helps. You also want to be careful about posting even brief comments online that reveal your (a) dissatisfaction with your current job; (b) desperation to change jobs; and (c) continuous conversations with recruiters, hiring managers and competitors of your current company.

Aside from alerting your own company to your desire to leave, comments about your dissatisfaction and desperation are counter-productive to your job search. Companies are not looking to add unhappy employees to their staff. However, some hiring managers and recruiters are overjoyed to find a job seeker who will accept any offer just to get out of an intolerable situation. You may end up selling your talents cheap and to an employer no one else wants to work for.

Finally, you should approach your social media profile with the same care and consideration as your resume. Because social media sites have their own forms for professional profiles, your profile may not be absolutely identical to your resume. But it should be as close as possible.

You may want to have your profile professionally written, to make sure that you are delivering the strongest possible information about yourself in the space allowed. You want to be sure that your profile is:

Clear, concise and accurate

Grammatically correct and properly spelled

Focused on achievements that set you apart from the competition

Set up so hiring managers and recruiters can easily contact you

Robin’s Resumes® can help you achieve all that and more. Contact us today for a professional profile on social media.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2017/01/your-resume-on-social-media/feed/0Why Technical Resumes Are Differenthttps://robinresumes.com/2017/01/why-technical-resumes-are-different/
https://robinresumes.com/2017/01/why-technical-resumes-are-different/#respondSun, 08 Jan 2017 11:14:10 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2400Anyone who has job searched in a technical field—engineering, IT, software development and so on—knows about unrealistic expectations. Many job postings, advertisements and calls from recruiters involve a list of desired technical skills that could take two lifetimes to accomplish. Yet, you still need all the required skills for that exact job posting.

This level of unrealistic expectations is just one way that technical resumes often differ from nontechnical resumes. I have several ways of dealing with the problem at Robin’s Resumes®:

First, I work with you to ensure that you meet at least the minimum requirements for the job. If you don’t meet those requirements, I advise you on how to find more suitable announcements or consider looking for a job in a different field.

Second, if you are close to meeting the requirements for a technical position, I can advise you on how to network and see if the company will write a job announcement just for you so that you are the one who passes the screen.

Third, I make sure the resume lists the technical skills that you already have. Then I focus on the results of using those skills. The fact that you managed to go from Point A to Point C is much more important than how, exactly, you got there. So, for example, the resume might say “Automated builds and streamlined releases by migrating source code from X to Y,” where X and Y are tools you currently have.

Fourth, I make it clear on the resume that you are capable of learning other technologies or taking on additional responsibilities. Sometimes this is shown by describing soft skills, coursework, projects you undertook outside your normal responsibilities (perhaps while volunteering elsewhere), and papers you have written. Sometimes this is shown by an actual list of skills you plan to develop or are capable of learning.

Fifth, even if your resume passes the Applicant Tracking System and shows you are qualified for the job, those who network and are known by the company and/or hiring manager have an 80% better chance to be hired. So start now to develop professional relationships that may pay off with a job offer in the long term.

Sixth, technical resumes must relate complex information to hiring managers and recruiters who may not be as technically savvy. That is why I always stress achievements, as even the most nontechnical person can see the value in streamlining a process; capturing millions of dollars in savings by switching from one strategy to another; or leading teams across geographic or internal corporate boundaries.

It is important to include as many keywords as possible from those that a potential employer will expect because most resumes today travel through computerized Applicant Tracking Systems. Many of those systems are programmed to look for specific keywords and select only those resumes that contain the keywords. I want to make sure your resume is among them.

As a graduate of MIT with a long career in simulation and chemical engineering, including leadership positions, and as the holder of 2 patents, I understand the hurdles and triumphs of a technical career. Let Robin’s Resumes® help you create a technical resume that stands out from the crowd—and gives you full credit for all you have achieved.

Social Media: Social media has become more important than ever during a job search. While I have stated it before, let me repeat the five golden rules for social media use during a job search:

Delete from Facebook, Twitter, or any other site those pictures and posts that show your nonprofessional side, including any heated arguments you exchanged.

Do not use social media to trash your last employer or your fellow employees.

Make sure you have a professional profile on LinkedIn and other professional sites.

Do use social media and the company website to find out more about the company where you are applying or interviewing and to make sure your resume and cover letter speak to the company’s needs.

Remove any political content in your social media footprint. It has been a contentious time in politics. However, if you are looking for a job, expressing your opinion on social media, or complaining about the results can be perceived as a big negative. Remember half of the voting public in the United States likely disagrees with you.

Resume Content: Your resume may be two pages (or more) but the content in it must be concise and powerful. Hiring managers and recruiters—not to mention applicant tracking systems—do not appreciate long paragraphs about what you did and how you did it. They want to know results and achievements first, and they want to know them fast. Include numbers (revenue you brought in, size of team you led, efficiencies you contributed to) wherever possible. Numbers talk.

Soft Skills on Your Resume: Some of the most important soft skills involve teamwork and team leadership, the ability to motivate and mentor, and the ability to work across silos, countries and backgrounds. More and more companies are reaching out globally, working hard to keep strong teams onboard and discovering the benefits of inclusivity. The workforce has been becoming more mobile and eclectic with every passing year. You need the soft skills to fit in with that new normal.

Contact Information on Your Resume: Complete, correct contact information, including a professional email address, is more important than ever. Unfortunately, many candidates never receive an invitation to interview because their contact information is incomplete.

For a resume that keeps up with the latest trends and shows you to advantage, please contact Robin’s Resumes® today—and start the New Year with a powerful resume.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2017/01/four-resume-trends-for-2017/feed/0Job Seekers: Five Reasons for Good Cheerhttps://robinresumes.com/2016/12/job-seekers-five-reasons-for-good-cheer/
https://robinresumes.com/2016/12/job-seekers-five-reasons-for-good-cheer/#respondSun, 25 Dec 2016 10:52:40 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2380At this holiday season, I would like to spread some cheer about job searches and resumes.

First, if you are currently working while you job search, you have information at your fingertips that will make your resume better than ever. Whether you note the number of papers you file every day or the number of strategic initiatives you lead, you are in a perfect place to gather information about your achievements at work and how they affect your company.

Second, you do not need to do everything yourself. During your job search, the help of a professional resume writer will ensure that your resume shows off your hard and soft skills, education, achievements and potential value to a new employer. A professional resume writer with career coaching credentials will guide you to decisions that make sense for your career, industry and goals.

Third, if you have run into a roadblock in finding the perfect job, alternatives are available. Speak to me at Robin’s Resumes® to get your job search back on track, through a new resume, a shift in search strategies, a career consultation or all three.

Fourth, my website is just one of the online resources that can give you advice and information vital to your job search. I believe in transparency, in clear writing, and in sharing my expertise. If you want to know whether Robin’s Resumes® is a good match for you, please contact me.

Fifth, if you are feeling overwhelmed, right now is a great time to relax and gather new energy. Sometimes, all you need to revive a job search is to take a break. Give yourself permission to relax with friends and family and appreciate everything you have to be grateful about this holiday season.

I wish you and your loved ones lots of good news and cheer in the coming year!

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2016/12/job-seekers-five-reasons-for-good-cheer/feed/0Questions to Ask Your Resume Writerhttps://robinresumes.com/2016/12/questions-to-ask-your-resume-writer/
https://robinresumes.com/2016/12/questions-to-ask-your-resume-writer/#respondSun, 18 Dec 2016 10:47:49 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2378Before you sign up with any resume writing firm, you should ask these five essential questions:

Can I see examples of your work? Chances are, if you do not like what you see in the past examples, you will not like the resume they prepare for you.

How long have you been writing resumes? While length of time as a resume writer is no guarantee of quality, you do not want to trust your resume to someone who is completely new to the resume writing field.

Will you be writing the resume yourself? Many resume companies present a professional front but then hand your resume off to a writer you have never spoken to. At the best, that writer is ignorant of your needs; at worst, the writer is a struggling newbie. At Robin’s Resumes® I write all resumes myself, which the best way I know of ensuring quality.

Have you written resumes for people in my field and at my level before? If a resume writer is unfamiliar with your field—at least, the broad industry—then he or she cannot possibly know what questions to ask you and what recruiters and hiring managers are looking for. The same goes for resumes at your career stage and level, whether you are a recent graduate or C-level executive.

What are your credentials? Having founded Robin’s Resumes® after a career in engineering, I am a member of the top four professional organizations for resume writing and career marketing, plus I have additional credentials as a subject matter expert and speaker on resume writing.

In general, you should feel that the resume writer you choose is a professional who understands the employment marketplace and technology, is genuinely interested in you and is able to understand your career goals. In the pressure of a job search, you may overlook or downplay information that could greatly strengthen your resume, and the writer should know what information to look for and how to draw it from you.

After all, your resume is a marketing document that markets you. A resume writer has to communicate with you directly and clearly in order to write a document that truly shows off your strengths and value.

For over 20 years, Robin’s Resumes® has been helping job seekers at every level to find that perfect job. Contact us today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2016/12/questions-to-ask-your-resume-writer/feed/0Are Resumes Still Relevant?https://robinresumes.com/2016/12/are-resumes-still-relevant/
https://robinresumes.com/2016/12/are-resumes-still-relevant/#respondSun, 11 Dec 2016 10:43:06 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2376I’m sure you expect that as a resume writer, I will absolutely and unconditionally tell you that resumes are still relevant. However, I have a caveat: they are now relevant at a different stage in the job search process than they used to be. Here’s what I mean.

In the past, the resume was the only way (other than physically showing up) to join the queue for a job opening. Even if you did physically show up, you had to fill out an application that, in effect, was the same as a resume. Companies would list jobs in the newspaper. Job seekers would mail in their resumes or fill out the job application. This method is still being used by many companies and recruiters, but social media has changed that scenario dramatically.

Companies and recruiters are still advertising but so are job seekers. Job seekers are putting their resumes and portfolio online; companies and recruiters are searching for candidates online. They are meeting each other on LinkedIn and professional sites, sometimes without a job ever being posted. Referrals are as important as ever, but often companies and recruiters will often back up referrals by investigating on social media, where candidates may reveal a lot more about who they are and how they behave.

The resume is even handled differently at the company; most resumes are submitted to an applicant tracking system. The resume has to contain the keywords and format appropriate for applicant tracking systems. Recruiters and hiring managers expect to see the resume at some point in the recruiting process, either on paper or online, no matter what position they are hiring for at what level. The resume has to back up the information that originally attracted recruiters and hiring managers on social media or that caused the applicant tracking system to select it; and it has to be completely professional.

I have the experience, writing skills, and industry contacts to make sure that your resume hits all of those requirements and more. Contact me today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2016/12/are-resumes-still-relevant/feed/0Strategic Talent Development and Your Resumehttps://robinresumes.com/2016/12/strategic-talent-development-and-your-resume/
https://robinresumes.com/2016/12/strategic-talent-development-and-your-resume/#respondSun, 04 Dec 2016 10:37:46 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2374Strategic talent development has several aspects: the ability to mentor others, the leadership and other soft skills required to advance oneself, and the perspective needed to see talent gaps in an organization. If you are applying for a job in middle to upper management—up to and including the C-level—your resume must reflect your abilities in strategic talent development and management.

First, strategic talent occurs at every level of an organization. Your ability to recognize and mentor it is an important soft skill. Your resume should show solid results from your mentoring, perhaps by reorganizing teams for greater productivity, developing direct reports into management roles, conducting training at your company’s request, or reducing turnover.

Second, your resume should show your commitment to developing your own talents. Perhaps you were chosen out of a number of candidates for a particular role; perhaps you were quickly promoted within your company; or perhaps you took courses in leadership or in a technology important to your company. Speaking engagements and opportunities to serve as a subject matter expert in your field are excellent indicators of your talent.

Finally, companies need employees who can help to reach their goals. The achievements on your resume should show that you understand the strategic goals of organizations and how to reach them. Your resume should show how your talents align not only with the goals of your current company, but with the goals of the company where you want to work. You should research the pain points of that prospective company and address them in your resume or cover letter.

Did you help create job descriptions and performance metrics that built a clear path for employee advancement? Did you find ways to engage employees who were resisting change or seemed unable to meet goals? Did you turn around a division or an entire company? Did you help identify areas where your company could better align existing talent and strategic goals? Did you institute training or mentoring programs? All of these activities show that you are aware of the importance of strategic talent development and management.

Robin’s Resumes® helps management and C-level professionals to create resumes that reflect their skills in strategic talent development and management.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2016/12/strategic-talent-development-and-your-resume/feed/0Your Resume: No or Irrelevant College Degreehttps://robinresumes.com/2016/11/your-resume-no-or-irrelevant-college-degree/
https://robinresumes.com/2016/11/your-resume-no-or-irrelevant-college-degree/#respondSun, 27 Nov 2016 10:35:11 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2367With the rising costs of college, many articles have been published lately encouraging young people to curtail or skip college and enter professions that do not require a 4-year degree, such as plumbing, bookkeeping, retail, medical assistant, LPN, and website developer.

In careers that do require a degree, the good news is that the experience you gain over the years makes your degree (including the college you attended, your GPA, and your area of specialization) less and less important. People with liberal arts degrees end up in technical fields; people with technical degrees end up in sales or marketing: success over the long term is more important than what you studied and where.

When it comes to your resume, therefore, the lack of a degree or possession of an irrelevant degree is not automatically a reason to worry. A lot depends on what type of job you are aiming for and where you are in your career.

With the possible exception of resumes for recent college graduates, your resume should always discuss work history before education. Even recent college graduates should put their work history first if it is relevant to the positions they are applying for—in this case, work history includes internships, practicums, and volunteer work.

If you do not have a college degree, you should include any coursework you have taken towards a degree in the field, any professional workshops or courses you have attended (such as Lean, bookkeeping, or leadership courses), and any licenses or certifications you have earned (such as financial, computer, construction, or medical). Even college studies that have not led to a degree are important. Do not be afraid if you did not get a good grade. Even passing a course counts.

However, you should avoid degree mills–schools that are not accredited, have a very low job placement rate, and award degrees after little or no study. Degree mills abound in the United States. If you get a degree from an unaccredited school, and use that degree to get a job, depending on the state, you may be committing a crime. In New Jersey, this is a felony. If you get caught using a degree from an unaccredited degree mill or claiming a degree you do not have, you likely will lose your job and possibly your reputation, making it difficult to get another job.

Professional development is always important, and even a partial degree shows potential. The same advice holds for a degree that is not relevant to the job you want: highlight any part of your education and professional development that is relevant

If you do not have a college degree and do not have a work history, your most important step is to bring your resume directly into the hands of the decision makers—the hiring manager or owner of a business—so that you have an opportunity to sell yourself. You will need to network for a job in many cases. No matter how short it is, make sure your resume highlights your high school diploma or GED and any volunteer or extracurricular activities, and make sure it is completely free of errors.

For help in writing a resume that shows off your true value, contact Robin’s Resumes® today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2016/11/your-resume-no-or-irrelevant-college-degree/feed/0Does Your Resume Reassure Potential Employers?https://robinresumes.com/2016/11/does-your-resume-reassure-potential-employers/
https://robinresumes.com/2016/11/does-your-resume-reassure-potential-employers/#respondSun, 20 Nov 2016 10:30:33 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2363What does it cost to hire a new employee? If a company is replacing an old employee, the cost is anywhere from 6 months up to 2 years of the employee’s annual salary. That means, to hire a new employee earning $30,000 to $50,000, the company pays around $8,000 in recruitment, screening, and interviewing costs.

And that’s not the end of the costs: once an employee is hired, the company has to pay for onboarding and possibly training. Productivity is lost while the new employee learns on the job. A new hire is more likely to make errors; that cost could be substantial if customers bear the brunt of a rocky transition. Finally, if a company is expecting the new employee to bring new ideas and strategies, it will likely be a while before both the long-term employees and the new hire feel comfortable in changing the company’s direction—adding yet another cost.

All of these costs are signposts to the alert job applicant, indicating what a company would appreciate seeing on a resume. For example:

Accomplishments that show the job applicant has helped increase productivity (or presented new ideas and strategies) in a previous job

Soft skills such as an open communication style and the ability to collaborate that shorten the learning time and indicate a commitment to finding solutions, not scapegoats

Evidence of a continuous interest in education, whether accumulating new knowledge or teaching others

Volunteer activity, indicating that the job applicant is willing to go above and beyond

Results that suggest the eventual payback from this job applicant will offset the time and costs involved in hiring and training.

When a job applicant’s resume shows an awareness of the importance of productivity, communication, collaboration, education, and volunteering, companies feel reassured about hiring that person. At Robin’s Resumes®, we are keenly aware of the priorities and fears of recruiters and hiring managers. We write resumes that address those priorities and soothe those fears.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2016/11/does-your-resume-reassure-potential-employers/feed/0Your Resume: Health Issues and Disabilitieshttps://robinresumes.com/2016/11/your-resume-health-issues-and-disabilities/
https://robinresumes.com/2016/11/your-resume-health-issues-and-disabilities/#respondSun, 13 Nov 2016 10:40:30 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2359Your private medical history, disabilities or health issues are just that: private. As long as you are physically capable of performing the job you are applying for, you should not bring up disabilities or health issues on your resume or cover letter.

You can usually judge your physical capability by reading the job application or posting. Does the job require lifting a certain weight, flying or driving regularly, or climbing a certain distance? If you are not able to perform functions that are clearly required by the job, then your employee has every right to know that. In fact, if you cannot perform the functions of a job, you should probably change your job search.

I have worked with clients who have obvious disabilities and have helped them to find a job that not only matches their abilities but furthers their careers.

For example, I worked with a deaf computer programmer who had held a series of jobs in which he had to interact verbally with a team. Unfortunately, he had not been successful in keeping the jobs. In corresponding with him, I found out that he had volunteered for an organization to make their webpages disability compliant. I encouraged him to apply for jobs using his knowledge of what was required to make websites disability compliant, jobs which celebrated his skills. He became excited about this opportunity. Using this new focus, I created a resume which he used to successfully obtain his next position.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not require job applicants to reveal a disability on a resume. If the disability will be obvious in an interview, try to get the interview first. That is the time when you can prove to an employer that you are differently abled, not disabled, and that your different abilities will not interfere with your performance and productivity.

Employees are required to accommodate disabilities in the workplace; it pays for you to research what accommodations you would need and to have sources and costs ready to quote at the interview. The average cost for an accommodation is about $500—and it could be zero if the employer already has technology and other resources in place.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, 17.5% of people with disabilities were employed in 2015. This is still well below the figure for people without disabilities. The largest portion of people with disabilities work in manufacturing, education and health services, then finances and retail.

Illnesses that require frequent absences for doctor appointments or treatments should be discussed with the employer, just as the need for any other accommodation. But again, this information does not belong on a resume or cover level. In fact, the ADA does not require you to reveal an illness at any specific time; you can wait until the interview, until you require accommodation or until you are ready.

Please contact me if you need help with your resume or career focus. I can help write a resume that is honest and that will also give you the best opportunity for that first interview.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2016/11/your-resume-health-issues-and-disabilities/feed/0Serve in the Trump Administrationhttps://robinresumes.com/2016/11/serve-in-the-trump-administration/
https://robinresumes.com/2016/11/serve-in-the-trump-administration/#commentsThu, 10 Nov 2016 11:06:41 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2385Now that the election is over and the American people have chosen President Elect Donald Trump, the transition is on. In the next 72 days, President Elect Trump’s team will choose their political employees. This article outlines some information on how to apply and how to get help in developing your application. Note, you do not apply for a job via this website. FederalResumes.net is NOT associated with the Federal government.

Presidential Appointments with Senate Confirmation (PAS): There are 1,212 senior leaders, including the Cabinet secretaries and their deputies, the heads of most independent agencies and ambassadors, who must be confirmed by the Senate. These positions first require a Senate hearing in addition to background checks and other vetting.

Presidential Appointments without Senate Confirmation (PA): There are 353 PA positions which make up much of the White House staff, although they are also scattered throughout many of the smaller federal agencies.

Non-career Senior Executive Service (NA): Members of the Senior Executive Service (SES) work in key positions just below the top presidential appointees, bridging the gap between the political leaders and the civil service throughout the federal government. Most SES members are career officials, but up to 10 percent of the SES can be political appointees. (For more information see the Office of Personnel Management’s website, https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/senior-executive-service/.) There are 680 non-career members of the SES.

Schedule C Appointments (SC): There are 1,403 Schedule C appointees who serve in a confidential or policy role. They range from schedulers and confidential assistants to policy experts.

Applications for these positions is now open (https://www.greatagain.gov/serve-america.html). You will need to fill out an application online (https://apply.ptt.gov/) which requires an essay on why you hope to be part of the President-elect’s administration, a Cover Letter, an essay on any additional qualifications, a text resume (not a fancy resume) no longer than 131,072 characters (which, at an average of 4,000 characters per page, is more than 30 pages).

Based on my experience helping folks transition to President George W. Bush and President Obama’s administrations, a Federal-type resume works best for folks applying for these types of jobs.

Note the following will be required for these types of positions, including extensive background checks. Per the greatagain.gov website:

The time commitment is significant and the pace is fast

Appointments and jobs of the Trump-Pence Administration are demanding, and the application process is rigorous

For most applicants under serious consideration:

A full FBI background check in which an applicant’s history of employment, personal, travel, medical, financial, legal, military and education background will likely take.

Consideration is taken for possible conflicts of interest. Financial holdings and sources of income must be disclosed. Any conflicts must be remedied by divestiture, the creation of special trusts, and other actions.

Many appointees’ dealings with the Federal government both during and for a period after their service will be significantly restricted to prevent possible conflicts of interest.

All those wishing to apply for positions in the Trump-Pence Transition, Executive Office of the President, or a Federal Department, Agency or Commission should follow the instructions below:

Complete the online application and submit it electronically. You will be notified electronically once your information has been received. A record of your application will be maintained while the President is in office, and you will be considered for the position(s) or subject area(s) which you have expressed interest in whenever openings occur.

You will be asked fill out a Personal Data Statement if you are considered for a specific position. You will be asked about possible conflicts of interest deriving from your sources of income; all aspects of your personal and professional life, including organization which you belong or once belonged; speeches you may have given and books, articles and editorials you may have written; legal, administrative and regulatory proceedings to which you may have been a party; in short, anything that might embarrass the President or you if he should choose you for a position in his administration.

If you are considered for a nomination by the President Elect, you will be asked to complete FBI and financial disclosure forms for review and consideration. The types of forms you may be required to fill out are as follows: for National Security Positions (SF86) and for higher-level positions, the financial disclosure form, (SF278). Most appointees are required to file financial disclosure statements annually during their term of service.

If Senate confirmation is required for the position you are nominated for, the Senate committee that reviews those nominations may ask you to provide additional information.

One should assume that all the information provided during this process is ultimately subject to public disclosure, if requested under the Freedom of Information Act.

I have helped numerous folks apply for political jobs during the last 3 elections, and would be pleased to see if I can help you with this transition. Please contact me at www.robinresumes.com today – time is short to apply.

Job applicants often feel on the spot when asked to provide information about their current salary and their salary history. They believe the company is trying to save money by basing the salary not on what the position deserves or on the salary range the company set, but instead on the lowest possible increase the job applicant would accept.

Job applicants want to know why pay should be based on their previous job—which might be in a different industry, at a different level, or with different responsibilities. In addition, their previous starting salary has no bearing on the current experience, skills, and knowledge they will be bringing to their next job. Finally, women (for example) generally earn less than men for equal work, so sharing her salary history puts a woman at a disadvantage in salary negotiations; she goes from underpaid to underpaid.

At least one state, Massachusetts, agrees with job applicants. According to a recent news story, Massachusetts law “takes a step that is completely unique: it prohibits employers from asking prospective hires about their salary histories until after they make a job offer that includes compensation, unless the applicants voluntarily disclose the information. No other state has such a ban in place.”

Massachusetts lawmakers agree that your salary history and current compensation are private information that you do not have to volunteer. There is no legal or moral obligation to include your salary history on your resume; therefore, you should not include it. Salary negotiations should start after you have a solid job offer, not before.

At Robin’s Resumes®, we keep up to date on the latest standards for what should or should not be included in your resume. We can also prepare a salary history for those jobs that require one, as a separate document, as well as coaching and advice for salary negotiations. Contact us today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2016/11/your-resume-your-salary-history/feed/0Resume Nightmares and Monstershttps://robinresumes.com/2016/10/resume-nightmares-and-monsters/
https://robinresumes.com/2016/10/resume-nightmares-and-monsters/#respondSun, 30 Oct 2016 09:59:54 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2353Every so often I like to celebrate Halloween by reviewing some resume nightmares. This time, let’s focus on the resume monsters who lurk within us all (cue Phantom of the Opera music).

Take the Verb Vampire. This is the guy who leaves every verb in the present tense for a job that he last held 10 years ago. The Verb Vampire forgets that updating a resume means more than just adding his latest position; he has to go back and make sure the old information is consistent with the new information—and in the past tense.

The Preposition Poisoner will pile up noun after noun and adjective after adjective, rather than use a preposition for clarity. Instead of saying “Investigated self-reported effectiveness of alternative treatment strategies,” the Preposition Poisoner says “Investigated self-reported alternative treatment strategy effectiveness.” She forgets that hiring managers and recruiters expect job applicants to make their accomplishments clear.

The Invisible Applicant has a superb resume—except for the contact information. He transposes the digits on his phone number; uses different email addresses on page 1 and page 2; and gives a return address with a 6-digit zip code. He wonders why no one has called to offer an interview; they simply cannot find him.

The Much-Too-Frankenstein presents a professional resume and cover letter. But her posts on social media indicate a tendency to argue, nitpick, complain, and blame others for every situation. No one wants to hire someone whose social media presence screams “potential problem.”

Finally, the Resume Mummy holds tight to old concepts of resumes. He wants to add an objective instead of a summary. He wants a section on health, hobbies, and marital status that is irrelevant to the job and potentially illegal. He refuses to go over one page even though that means important achievements will be left out. His resume is a clear sign that he does not understand the present job market or the expectations of employers.

Have any of these monsters threatened to take over your resume? Contact Robin’s Resumes® and we will help you defeat them once and for all.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2016/10/resume-nightmares-and-monsters/feed/0Answers to Your Resume Questionshttps://robinresumes.com/2016/10/answers-to-your-resume-questions/
https://robinresumes.com/2016/10/answers-to-your-resume-questions/#respondSun, 23 Oct 2016 09:54:36 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2350Question: “I’ll be graduating college in January. If I use a professional resume writer, I’m afraid I’ll look self-important and as if I’m exaggerating my skills. Would I be better off writing my own resume?”

Answer: As a professional resume writer, I have helped many recent graduates create winning resumes. Many college graduates fluctuate between being over-confident and under-confident in their skills. I can help you find that perfect balance and make sure that you do not overlook the value of experience gathered through internships, practicums, part-time work experience, and volunteer positions.

Question: “I’ve worked in several companies that no longer exist and no one is around to offer a reference. Most of them went out of business but a few merged with other companies. How can I present them in a resume without sounding like the moving finger of corporate death?”

Answer: Today’s resumes require only the name of the company, the city and state where it existed, and the dates you worked there. You don’t need to go into details of why they failed or provide references on the resume. If the company was taken over in a merger and acquisition, you can list it as “Company ABC (now a division of Company DEF).” If you were kept on after the merger, you have a big plus for your resume: you were considered too valuable to be let go immediately.

Question: “I have strong geographic and salary requirements. Should I mention them in my resume or cover letter?”

Answer: It may be wise to address geographic requirements up front, either in the resume or the cover letter. Robin’s Resumes® can help you with this decision.

Salary requirements are another issue. Presumably you know the salary range for people with your experience, education, accomplishments, and background; so do the people who will want to hire you. I recommend saving any salary discussion for when you are closer to getting the job. You don’t want to cut off a good prospect before you have a chance to hear what the position is about and what the company might offer as alternative compensation. It is better to negotiate your salary after you have a job offer, not before. Robin’s Resumes® offers interview and salary negotiation coaching.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2016/10/answers-to-your-resume-questions/feed/0Soft Skills III: Showing Creativity in Your Resumehttps://robinresumes.com/2016/10/soft-skills-iii-showing-creativity-in-your-resume/
https://robinresumes.com/2016/10/soft-skills-iii-showing-creativity-in-your-resume/#respondSun, 16 Oct 2016 09:51:19 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2348Creativity in a resume does not mean that you wrap your resume around a champagne bottle and mail it to the CEO; it doesn’t mean that you create a YouTube video where you rap your resume; it doesn’t mean designing a resume with twenty fonts and sixty colors. Very few organizations and no computerized applicant tracking systems are geared up for that kind of creativity.

So how do you show creativity on your resume?

You might, in fact, create two resumes: one traditional resume suited for applicant tracking systems and a first look by recruiters and hiring managers; the other “creative” resume to hand out during your interview, or maybe a creative online resume that links to your traditional paper resume. If you do go the creative route, make sure you are as creative as you think you are. Hiring managers and interviewers will be turned off by poorly executed, inappropriate, difficult to fathom creativity. Moreover, you never know if your resume will have to pass through an applicant tracking system, and most of those systems cannot handle a creative resume. For those reasons, Robin’s Resumes® does not recommend using two resumes. Instead, we recommend one traditional resume that is suited to applicant tracking systems.

Your resume should show how you applied creativity and demonstrated it as part of your current job. Perhaps you contributed an idea that helped your company organize better, increased productivity, improved internal or external relationships, or transformed a marketing campaign. Perhaps you quickly understood a new product, service, or solution and then creatively explained it to confused customers and fellow employees.

Consider the challenges faced by the company or industry where you want to work. Do you have a creative solution for a consistent problem in that industry? For example, one of my clients realized that everyone in her industry used offshore teams to finish parts of their project, which led to communications chaos. She highlighted in her resume her skills in finding creative solutions to the problem, including arranging internships for college students who were native speakers of the foreign language.

Like the other soft skills I’ve written about in this blog, creativity has many definitions. Robin’s Resumes® will help you find the right definition and the right way to express creativity to fit the job you want.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2016/10/soft-skills-iii-showing-creativity-in-your-resume/feed/0Soft Skills II: Showing Enthusiasm in Your Resumehttps://robinresumes.com/2016/10/soft-skills-ii-showing-enthusiasm-in-your-resume/
https://robinresumes.com/2016/10/soft-skills-ii-showing-enthusiasm-in-your-resume/#respondSun, 09 Oct 2016 09:47:29 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2346Computerized applicant tracking systems are great at pulling out resumes that fit the skills and achievements that a company wants in its next employee. Then that resume goes to the hiring manager or recruiter who is also looking for certain intangibles, like a sense that the applicant will be successful in the job if hired. One of the big forecasts of future success is current enthusiasm.

In fact, the Department of Labor has stated: “Enthusiasm can mean the difference in not just getting a job, but succeeding in a job and even advancing in your career….A positive attitude is an ‘I can’ attitude.”

Recruiters and hiring managers are pleased when they see an applicant who has taken additional professional courses or who has volunteered to an organization that can use the applicant’s job skills. These actions indicate that, even in downtime, the applicant is enthusiastic about his or her career. The resume should show those activities to advantage.

Recruiters and hiring managers also appreciate applicants who have contributed to their previous companies’ success. That contribution might start with applying skills to the job at hand and continue up the levels of involvement to leading an entire organization. The important factor here is that the resume shows the applicant achieved something, whether it was a working part in a machine or a working business unit in a multinational corporation.

Recruiters and hiring managers want to find commitment in a job applicant. While few employees these days stay in one job for decades, most employees have a sense of trajectory in their careers. Even if a job applicant has changed industries or careers midstream, the resume should provide a sense that the applicant all along was gathering skills, contacts, information, and ideas that would be useful in the new industry or career.

When your resume shows your enthusiasm for your career, you are reassuring hiring managers and recruiters that you will be a valuable contributor to your next employer’s success. Robin’s Resumes® will help you do just that.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2016/10/soft-skills-ii-showing-enthusiasm-in-your-resume/feed/0Soft Skills I: Showing Leadership Potential in Your Resumehttps://robinresumes.com/2016/10/soft-skills-i-showing-leadership-potential-in-your-resume/
https://robinresumes.com/2016/10/soft-skills-i-showing-leadership-potential-in-your-resume/#respondSun, 02 Oct 2016 09:41:54 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2344With all of the leadership books, seminars, blog posts, webinars, and MBA courses out there, you would think “leadership” would be clearly defined by now. But it isn’t. What makes a leader beloved might not make him or her successful; what makes a leader noteworthy might not make him or her admirable.

However, when it comes to your resume, showing leadership potential is a bit more straightforward—and easier to achieve than setting oneself up as the next Steve Jobs, Warren Buffet, or presidential candidate. Your work and volunteer experience all contribute to demonstrating the soft skill of leadership on your resume.

You want to highlight achievements that show:

Your ability to work with a team, even if you weren’t the team leader. Did you contribute, follow through on, or champion ideas or projects? Did you find a more efficient way for the team to operate? Those are signs of leadership.

Your ability to communicate at different levels in the organization. Have you successfully interacted with support staff, managers, vendors, customers, and C-level leaders? Were you able to translate technical or complex information to others? Those are signs of leadership.

Your organization skills. Have you taken on new challenges, job responsibilities, or a promotion? Have you delegated to or mentored others? Have you put a chaotic system or process into order? Those are signs of leadership.

Your commitment to the organization. Have you finished a product on time and on budget? Did you help to land a project or a new customer? Have you contributed to increased income, marketplace awareness, or productivity? Those are signs of leadership.

Contact Robin’s Resumes® for help in describing leadership and other soft skills in your work and volunteer history. We will write a resume that lets your leadership potential shine forth.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2016/10/soft-skills-i-showing-leadership-potential-in-your-resume/feed/0Resume Gaps: When Not to Worryhttps://robinresumes.com/2016/09/resume-gaps-when-not-to-worry/
https://robinresumes.com/2016/09/resume-gaps-when-not-to-worry/#respondSun, 25 Sep 2016 10:06:26 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2316The old thinking about gaps in your employment—that they are an insurmountable barrier to being hired again—has long ago bit the dust. While it is still best to hunt for a job while you are employed, the word “employed” has itself changed.

These days hiring managers and recruiters look more favorably on consultants or entrepreneurs who start their own business during “employment” gaps. They respect consultants, entrepreneurs, part-time workers and even volunteers who take on tasks that involve leadership opportunities, new learning, new professional connections or a sharpening of skills. Finally, they are more tolerant of time off to finish a degree.

It is much better to be honest about those reasons for a gap in employment rather than trying to hide them. In fact, in some industries, short work periods are the norm rather than the exception (for example, fashion and engineering may fall into that category). If you are in one of those industries, you may have several gaps between jobs; it is better to acknowledge them than to stretch out dates to cover them. Hiring managers and recruiters may be suspicious by not finding the gaps they expect and lies are easy to expose, especially in our Internet and social media connected society.

Telling the truth from the onset will help you to move forward in your career search, and ensure you do not have an issue in the future based on lies. I have spoken, known, known of, and worked with folks who had their careers seriously harmed when lies they told years ago were eventually discovered by their employers.

I have spoken to hiring managers who believe that long gaps mean something is wrong with you (such as a time in prison), and if you do not explain what you did for that gap, they will pass on you. Consider explaining the gaps up front in your resume, before they pass on you. You can put what you did as a “job title” or as a sabbatical. Show what you did, including taking care of an ill family member or recuperating from illness or raising a child. If possible, show that you acquired or used transferable skills during that time. If you volunteered for activities, you may also want to describe that experience.

You can also discuss a large gap in a cover letter, but not all hiring managers read cover letters. Waiting for the interview is another but less desirable strategy.

You want to show that you are comfortable with your decision and to reassure the potential employer that circumstances have changed. I have helped many folks realize that the gap is really not a bad thing for their career. Through my coaching, many clients discover that what they thought was a “gap” or an “issue” really is not. Instead, the skills or knowledge they acquired during the gap, combined with their work experience, makes them even more desirable for the right employer.

Robin’s Resumes® can help you decide how to handle your resume gap, reduce your worry, and help create a standout resume. Contact us today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2016/09/resume-gaps-when-not-to-worry/feed/0Repetition on Your Resume: The Good and the Badhttps://robinresumes.com/2016/09/repetition-on-your-resume-the-good-and-the-bad/
https://robinresumes.com/2016/09/repetition-on-your-resume-the-good-and-the-bad/#respondSun, 18 Sep 2016 10:03:43 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2314Repetition on your resume is good when it involves keywords, skills, accomplishments, and education that applicant tracking systems, recruiters and hiring managers are using to identify what they want most in a new hire. But repetition is not good when:

Repetition takes up valuable space you could use for new information.

You repeat duties or tasks you mastered long ago without showing any progress. However, if a job announcement requires those tasks or duties as part of your experience, you may want to consider repeating them, if you can show how you accomplished something for each organization where you worked.

You start every accomplishment with the same verb (“led,” “handled”).

Repetition pushes out new information. Even if you have held only two jobs in your life, they varied in some way. Was one organization bigger? Did you work with more or fewer people? Were the industries, products or services different in each company? Did the jobs involve contact with different people?

Repetition gets in the way of showing progress. From job to job, you learn something, if only how to work more efficiently or get along better with your peers. Maybe your title never changed at the small company where you work, but you did contribute over the years to its continuing success. What did you contribute this year that you did not contribute the year you were hired?

Repetition also indicates lazy thinking about your accomplishments. If you “led” a team, what did that team achieve? The achievement should lead the bullet point. For example, instead of repeating “Trained sales team” for the fifth time, one training manager wrote “Increased sales team’s understanding of product through training and certifications.”

While some repetition is bound to occur, a resume that is filled with repetitive statements is failing to differentiate you from the competition. Sometimes that failure is due to a lack of perspective: you begin to think that your job was easy because it was easy for you; or you forget how inept and clueless you were on that first day; or you set yourself to an impossibly high standard.

An outside perspective can help you find what is unique in your career path and most attractive to future employers. If you find that your resume is repetitive, please contact Robin’s Resumes® so that we can write a resume that shows your true value.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2016/09/repetition-on-your-resume-the-good-and-the-bad/feed/0More Mistakes That DIY Resume Writers Makehttps://robinresumes.com/2016/09/more-mistakes-that-diy-resume-writers-make/
https://robinresumes.com/2016/09/more-mistakes-that-diy-resume-writers-make/#respondSun, 11 Sep 2016 09:55:25 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2311In June this year, I published a blog post on mistakes that do-it-yourself resume writers make, including mistakes with numbers, punctuation, spelling and factual information. Lately I’ve seen a few more mistakes which would be easy to avoid or fix:

Overloading the resume with exclamation points (!) and adjectives. Exclamation points have no place in a resume (unless they are part of a title). Adjectives are fine in limited amounts (“strong leadership skills…”) but it is far better to demonstrate your value through accomplishments. Look at this example:

Improvement: “Increased visitors to XYZ’s website 130% in the first quarter by refocusing a struggling IT team efforts from website upgrades to complete redesign.”

Exaggerating your role or the importance of your contribution. Yes, accomplishments are extremely important in a resume but they have to be in line with your role. Whether in the interview or through their own contacts, the company is very likely to find out that you exaggerated. Your true abilities will also become clear once you are hired; and that could lead to being fired.

Believing that it’s the reader’s responsibility to know what you mean. Whether you work in a high-tech field or a company that loves acronyms or you have fallen in love with management jargon, you must drop your prejudices and write in clear, everyday English. Look at this example:

Improvement: “Developed relationships with chief executive officers to capitalize on new product introductions (NPI) for business units in the East, Middle East, and Asia (EMEA).”

Once acronyms are properly introduced, it’s fine to use them throughout. But no one is going to take the time to puzzle out what you mean. Moreover, you may be missing an opportunity if, for example, the applicant tracking system may be primed to look for “Middle East” but not for ME. It is good to put in both the full name along with the acronym in parentheses the first time you use it, such as “Middle East (ME),” and then use ME for the rest of the resume.

Are you having difficulty keeping adjectives in check on your resume or writing accurately and clearly about your accomplishments? Please contact me today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2016/09/more-mistakes-that-diy-resume-writers-make/feed/0Why Tech Job Seekers Need Soft Skillshttps://robinresumes.com/2016/09/why-tech-job-seekers-need-soft-skills/
https://robinresumes.com/2016/09/why-tech-job-seekers-need-soft-skills/#respondMon, 05 Sep 2016 09:50:02 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2308Technology today changes rapidly, and every company realizes—or should realize—that they might as well wish on a star if their list of technical skills is long and complicated. Finding one person to fulfill every technical need is unlikely.

Smart companies are recognizing that soft skills are as important as specific technical skills. If a high-tech applicant has shown the ability to learn new technology, apply it in different circumstances, work with or lead a technical team—that job applicant is extremely valuable.

If you have the technology skills companies are looking for, but not receiving the job offers you expect, it may be time to:

Refocus your resume on how your tech skills benefited past employers. Your work should have produced some sort of effect, regardless of whether you were an intern, part of team or a team leader. Make sure that effect is clearly stated up front in your resume.

Show your enthusiasm for technology. Maybe you have developed a website for a friend, participated in a hackathon, developed an app or volunteered for an organization that used your tech skills. Your involvement with technology outside of work demonstrates your passion.

Talk to people. The broader your network, the more likely you are to find a job—or at least to practice talking about yourself for that all-important interview. Tech people who are able to communicate clearly are valuable; practice explaining what you do and what you know in clear, everyday language.

Work with a professional resume writer who understands technology. Few things are more frustrating for a high tech job seeker than working with a resume writer—or recruiter—who does not understand technology. In the past, I experienced that frustration myself as a chemical engineer newly graduated from MIT, and later as I moved from a senior chemical engineer to a simulation engineer and on to a quality engineer.

For help in bringing your soft skills to the fore in your technical resume, please contact me at Robin’s Resumes® today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2016/09/why-tech-job-seekers-need-soft-skills/feed/0Five Tips to Keep Your Job Hunt on Trackhttps://robinresumes.com/2016/08/five-tips-to-keep-your-job-hunt-on-track/
https://robinresumes.com/2016/08/five-tips-to-keep-your-job-hunt-on-track/#respondSun, 28 Aug 2016 09:43:55 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2279In the midst of a job hunt, you can easily become frustrated or off track if you ignore these five tips:

Organize, organize, organize. You need to remember which jobs you applied for at which companies, which version of your resume you sent (if you have multiple versions), and who you spoke with when. You cannot rely on companies to contact you when they promised—or at all. So if you mentioned in your cover letter that you will be contacting them, be sure to follow up. You also need to track contact information and thank you letters you sent out to helpful people you met while networking or interviewing. A spreadsheet program is excellent for keeping your job hunt organized, one you can quickly call up on your computer or smart phone when recruiters or hiring managers call.

Do not wait for job postings on the major online job boards. Sometimes companies post jobs only on their website or through social media. Sometimes recruiters have information about jobs that are never posted at all. Occasionally, a company is not even aware that they need someone with your talents until you send them a cover letter and resume explaining how you can solve their problem.

Step away from the computer. While your online job hunt is important, personal connections are most likely to bloom into job leads, referrals, and interviews. Attend industry meetings, chamber of commerce events, job fairs, and networking events; arrange to meet contacts one-on-one, and never forget that all important thank you note. During personal meetings, you should not be begging for a job, but asking for information. Remember to show an interest in the person you are speaking with: they are more likely to help your job hunt if you hold a conversation rather than a self-absorbed monologue.

For some jobs, especially retail or smaller companies, it can be best to go in person to the location where you want to work. I wrote a great resume for a person I have known all his life (it later got him the job he really wanted), which I modified to highlight his retail sales and management accomplishments. He arrived at a new city and sent the resume to online listings for retail jobs—and got no response. I told him to go to the stores directly and talk to them, and in less than a day he had 3 job offers.

Hand your resume and cover letter to a professional resume writer. Even high-level marketing gurus—those experts in branding and writing about companies in all sorts of online and print venues—choose to work with a professional resume writer during their job hunt. Your resume must make its way through computerized applicant tracking systems, Human Resources departments, and hiring managers. It must describe the skills, education, and accomplishments that companies are looking for. It must be concise, focused, well-formatted, and accurate. Professional resume writers know how to deliver all of that and more.

Robin’s Resumes® has helped countless individuals toward a successful job hunt. Contact us today so we can begin helping you.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2016/08/five-tips-to-keep-your-job-hunt-on-track/feed/0What Is Full-Service Resume Writing? Part IIhttps://robinresumes.com/2016/08/what-is-full-service-resume-writing-part-ii/
https://robinresumes.com/2016/08/what-is-full-service-resume-writing-part-ii/#respondSun, 21 Aug 2016 09:38:44 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2277As a full-service professional resume writer, my job is to make sure that your resume accurately, concisely, and clearly describes the value you bring to a company. A resume company that takes your old resume and merely updates or reformats it is not providing full-service resume writing.

I am often surprised by differences between a job seeker’s old resumes, answers to the questionnaires I send, and the job seeker’s sample of advertisements and postings for preferred jobs. Here are some less obvious ways my full-service resume writing helps everything line up correctly in a powerful resume:

By showing you the value of your contribution. During a company downsizing, a secretary had taken on the responsibilities of an administrative assistant who was let go. The secretary said that she had not been “officially promoted” to administrative assistant, and therefore she couldn’t use that job title. I only found out about her extra duties when I matched the current job description she supplied to the job duties she listed on the questionnaire I gave her. On her resume, I made it perfectly clear what a superb asset she was by describing her position as: Secretary with Administrative Assistant Responsibility. That is what full-service resume writing means: helping you brand and sell yourself to your next employer.

By clarifying the job posting or advertisement. An IT professional felt he could handle a CIT position at a major company but no one was responding to his current resume with requests for interviews. When I compared the sample job postings he sent me to his resume, I found very few of the qualifications matched up. He needed to take interim steps before he could apply for interviews: perhaps he should look for a CIT position at a smaller company or become the CIT’s next in command at a major company. He researched job postings for a direct report to the CIT and I re-wrote his resume to show off his value for those positions. Full-service resume writing also means that I give professional advice based on decades of experience.

By streamlining your information. Recruiters and hiring managers readily admit that they do not spend a lot of time with individual resumes. They want the important facts up front and easy to locate; they will not hunt through your resume for contact information, skills, accomplishments, education, and experience. I often help job applicants who either bury important facts too far down in their resume or do not know when to stop writing. Sometimes they spend paragraphs describing their experience with outdated technologies or first-time jobs that they left decades ago or a particular accomplishment that has no relationship to the job posting or advertisement. As a professional full-service resume writer, my job is to focus resumes to match the expectations of recruiters and hiring managers.

I am proud that Robin’s Resumes® is a full-service resume writing company, and I look forward to helping you.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2016/08/what-is-full-service-resume-writing-part-ii/feed/0What Is Full Service Resume Writing? Part Ihttps://robinresumes.com/2016/08/what-is-full-service-resume-writing-part-i/
https://robinresumes.com/2016/08/what-is-full-service-resume-writing-part-i/#respondSun, 14 Aug 2016 09:32:53 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2274As you may have noticed from the home page of my website, Robin’s Resumes® offers a complete line of resume writing services. These include not only writing your resume, but writing your LinkedIn profile and cover letters. It is important that your resume, LinkedIn profile, and cover letters support each other in content, tone, and style.

Are you somehow cheating if you hire a full service resume writer? Because I write resumes for executives who lead the same companies where you are applying, I can tell you that no one considers professional resume writing a “cheat.” Companies are hiring you for your professional skills; they are not hiring you because you wrote your own resume! My professional skill is making sure your skills, accomplishments, education, and experience stand out in a concise, well-written resume that is suitable for applicant tracking systems and for review by hiring managers and recruiters.

I work from your existing resume and a sample of the job postings and advertisements that attract you, in order to determine what type of package would best suit you and whether I can help in you win interviews in your particular field or area of expertise. Once we agree on what your expectations, I send you a questionnaire to gather the most information possible. I may follow up with a personal phone interview afterwards to clarify or expand upon the information in the questionnaire.

Over the years, Robin’s Resumes® has assisted job seekers at every level, from C-level to recent college graduate, and in both technical and nontechnical fields, including engineering, research, Human Resources, medicine and healthcare, social work, supply chain management, and law among many others. In addition, I have mentored other resume writers, given resume advice to job seekers both on online and during events, and achieved the highest certifications in the resume writing field.

So in my case, “full service” includes the knowledge, skills and experience to write a resume that attracts the attention of hiring managers and recruiters. I will never guarantee an interview—no one can do that, given the many circumstances that have to come together before an interview can take place (including timing, competition from internal candidates, and the company’s commitment to filling the job).

But I can guarantee that, as a professional and full service resume writer, I will expend every effort to give you the best possible resume, LinkedIn profile, and cover letters. Contact me today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2016/08/what-is-full-service-resume-writing-part-i/feed/0How Volunteer Work Improves Your Resumehttps://robinresumes.com/2016/08/how-volunteer-work-improves-your-resume/
https://robinresumes.com/2016/08/how-volunteer-work-improves-your-resume/#respondSun, 07 Aug 2016 09:30:23 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2272Volunteering for a nonprofit has many benefits both for the people you help and for your own well-being and sense of self-worth. But it also has benefits for your resume.

If there is a cause dear to you or one that you can relate to, consider volunteering. If a position is open on a specific committee where you have skills they can use, volunteer for that committee. Most nonprofits are eager for individuals willing to work on their board (the operative word here is “work”), but the commitment may be as little as two hours a month.

For the purposes of your resume, volunteering shows:

Your willingness to support others

Your ability to work in a team for a common goal

Your skills; for example, social media skills if you set up the organization’s Facebook page or financial skills if you contributed to a fundraising campaign

Your leadership, if you lead a committee or an event

Your planning and organizational skills, if you helped develop a five-year plan or arrange a new campaign or event.

Your ability to accomplish something important for others.

Sometimes a volunteer opportunity chooses you. I know of one individual who found herself Chair of a nonprofit’s board when no one else stepped up to the job. The sole proprietor of an IT support company attended a Chamber of Commerce meeting and was recruited there for an organization in need of IT skills. A recent college graduate searched online for organizations in need of volunteers and found himself leading a nonprofit’s marketing effort—taking on responsibilities well in advance of his newbie position at work.

Volunteering is a bonus to your resume whether you are moving up, seeking your first job or currently unemployed and looking. Robin’s Resumes® will help you describe your contribution in ways that add depth to your resume and show off your value to future employers.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2016/08/how-volunteer-work-improves-your-resume/feed/0Numbers in Your Resumehttps://robinresumes.com/2016/07/numbers-in-your-resume/
https://robinresumes.com/2016/07/numbers-in-your-resume/#respondSun, 31 Jul 2016 10:03:21 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2263Numbers are important in resumes as they make your information and accomplishments more specific, whether the numbers are the dates of employment or the dollar amount of sales you contributed to your current company. Mistakes in numbers can undermine your resume and prevent that vital call to an interview. Here are four mistakes to avoid:

Transposed numbers. You know your telephone number or zip code so well that it is easy to transpose numbers and never realize it. Yet that transposition will prevent hiring managers and recruiters from contacting you. Never assume that familiar numbers are correct.

Bad calculations. Let’s say you contributed 25% of the sales in your group, totaling $130,000. Your share is therefore $32,500—it is not $3,250 or $97,500 or any other figure. Always double-check your math—or better yet, have someone else check it.

Inconsistent numbers. There are two types of inconsistency, in form and in content. If you start out writing $1M, do not change the form to $1 million or $1MM. If you start out listing your percent to quota (PTQ) in both percentages and dollars, do not suddenly drop dollars in the middle of the list. If your resume says you helped 35 customers every day, then your cover letter should say 35, not 30+ or 35.0.

Wrong numbers. You probably never worked full-time for two different companies in two widely separated cities over the same spread of years. You probably never started your 27-year career when you were 8 years old. Make sure the numbers you give make sense, especially dates.

Missing numbers. Now is the time—before you leave your job—to gather numbers, whether they are the number of employees on your team, the overall size of the company, the number of people you mentored, your grade point average or your ranking in key performance metrics, such as sales targets or number of new accounts.

When you use numbers properly, they make you stand out from the competition. Anyone can exceed new account targets, but you exceeded by 130%. Anyone can advance “quickly,” but you achieved 3 promotions in 5 years.

Robin’s Resumes® can help you make the most of the numbers that matter the most in your career. Contact us today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2016/07/numbers-in-your-resume/feed/0Resume Cover Letter or Email: Five Tips That Make a Differencehttps://robinresumes.com/2016/07/resume-cover-letter-or-email-five-tips-that-make-a-difference/
https://robinresumes.com/2016/07/resume-cover-letter-or-email-five-tips-that-make-a-difference/#respondSun, 24 Jul 2016 09:59:19 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2261A resume cover letter or email is always a good idea. It might not be read, but you fail to send one, you could lose a great opportunity to make yourself stand out.

Your resume cover letter or email should be in the same font as your resume and should contain exactly the same content information. The subject line or reference line should include information identifying the job you are applying for: the job title or job reference number exactly as it appears in the job posting or advertisement.

Here are five tips to make your cover letter or email stand out:

Always include highlights from your resume that specifically target your qualifications for the position you want. Choose a few examples from your resume of contributions or accomplishments that will make you stand out from other applicants.

Always let some of your passion and personality show through. Here is the place to emphasize what you love most about your career and how that passion will benefit the company where you are applying.

Keep it short. You can say a lot in a few brief paragraphs. The job of a cover letter is not to duplicate your resume but to pull out the most important information you want to share.

Always include a next step: a request for an interview (in person or on the phone) or your own promise to follow up with a call.

Always end with a thank you.

A cover letter or email is the perfect place for information that might not fit into your resume or might easily be lost during a quick read, such as a willingness travel, specialized training or an advanced degree, an interest in a specific aspect of your field or your reasons for changing careers. You might also add a testimonial from your supervisor or a satisfied customer.

A clear, concise, focused cover letter or email strengthens your resume and demonstrates the strength of your interest in the job. At Robin’s Resumes®, we write cover letters and emails that support job seekers in their quest for the perfect position. Contact us today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2016/07/resume-cover-letter-or-email-five-tips-that-make-a-difference/feed/0Creative Job Titles: How They Can Hurt Youhttps://robinresumes.com/2016/07/creative-job-titles-how-they-can-hurt-you/
https://robinresumes.com/2016/07/creative-job-titles-how-they-can-hurt-you/#respondSun, 17 Jul 2016 09:53:21 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2259Creative job titles are becoming normal. I’ve come across job seekers with the title of “Chaos Manager,” “Strategy Partner,” “Growth Hacker,” “Sustainability Advocate” or “Director of Corporate Responsibility.” Many of those titles reflect recent business trends, such as those toward disruptive technology, collaboration, social responsibility, and marketing with stories (“Chief Storyteller”). Others are simply misguided attempts to be clever.

Fortune Magazine recently described the problem with creative job titles: “Not only do ‘creative’ job titles confuse clients, but they can also seriously hurt job seekers in the digital era. ‘Nobody reads resumes — we search our database using keywords and if your resume turns up, then we scan it — so no one’s impressed by cool stuff like witty job titles,’ Henry Goldbeck, president of a Vancouver-based recruiting firm, stated.”

Applicant tracking systems have many limitations. A lack of humor and a failure to appreciate creative expression are high among them.

While some creative titles are self-evident, others require that job seekers carefully explain what they do in terms more likely to be familiar with their audience. For example, Chaos Manager has its roots in the attempt to manage turbulence in companies, perhaps due to a change in culture or to extremely fast growth. Therefore, a Chaos Manager might also want to use the words “organizational development” or “cultural change agent” or similar words in describing accomplishments and skills. Better yet, the Chaos Manager may want to re-title the job to fit the expectations of hiring managers and recruiters in other companies.

Job applicants also have to be careful of artificially inflated titles (Chief Marketing Guru) in smaller companies that do not transfer well into larger companies (where a “guru” may be equal to Marketing Director). An inflated title alone will not carry a job applicant into a position; it has to be backed by real achievements and contributions.

By all means, you and your company should be able to indulge in creativity and fun when choosing titles, but be aware of the drawbacks once you start looking for that next great job. At Robin’s Resumes®, your Writer-in-Chief is happy to help.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2016/07/creative-job-titles-how-they-can-hurt-you/feed/0Powerful Resume Words—and Other Mythshttps://robinresumes.com/2016/07/powerful-resume-words-and-other-myths/
https://robinresumes.com/2016/07/powerful-resume-words-and-other-myths/#respondSun, 10 Jul 2016 09:48:51 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2257Every so often, a list appears of the 100 Best Words for Your Resume or The Most Powerful Resume Words. Those lists might as well start with “abracadabra.”

The most powerful words on your resume are the words that specifically describe what you accomplished in your career. Those are the words that differentiate you from other job applicants and that grab the attention of hiring managers and recruiters.

It is true that strong verbs are important. You want to avoid starting every bullet with “responsible for” or “helped to.” The verbs you choose should point to your strongest skills and achievements: managed, led, invented, organized, assisted, negotiated, presented, hired, trained, supervised, improved. But hiring managers and recruiters won’t be fooled if you simply throw in verbs because they sound good.

When looking for words that will attract hiring managers and recruiters to your resume, your best source is the advertisement or job posting. There the company describes exactly what skills and accomplishments are expected in a job candidate. You should echo the words in the advertisement or job posting, connecting those words to real-life achievements of your own.

For example, suppose a job posting for a software engineer lists as one of the responsibilities “research solutions to challenging cyber security problems.” If you are applying for that job, your resume should describe a specific cyber security problem that you researched and solved in your previous employment. As another example, suppose a job posting includes a requirement for making presentations. Your resume in that case should highlight presentations you have already made, describing the audience, the type of presentation and perhaps the effect it had. (“Delivered presentations on consumer trends to sales team, which changed direction of sales effort to focus on younger consumers.”)

Hiring managers and recruiters have limited time to offer each resume. Therefore, you want to be concise. However, the one-page resume is no longer a standard; you can write more, if you have more to say. Just make sure the words you choose are honest, straight-forward, and focused on your achievements.

Having trouble finding the right kind of powerful words? Contact Robin’s Resumes® today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2016/07/powerful-resume-words-and-other-myths/feed/0Three Resume Mistakes That Drive Me Crazyhttps://robinresumes.com/2016/07/three-resume-mistakes-that-drive-me-crazy/
https://robinresumes.com/2016/07/three-resume-mistakes-that-drive-me-crazy/#respondSun, 03 Jul 2016 09:43:26 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2255Happy Fourth of July! Today you should declare your independence from three types of resume mistakes that prevent you from ever receiving an invitation to interview.

Mistake #1: Bury Important Information

The most important information in your resume or cover letter, aside from your name, is your contact information, the type of job you are applying for and your qualifications for that job. You want your contact information to appear at the top of the page and in a readable font.

In resumes and cover letters, I am appalled when job applicants waste opening paragraphs by (a) describing their personal history (“I moved to this area 3 years ago after living for 20 years in…”) or (b) making excuses (“I left my last job after two weeks because…”) or (c) offering other information no one asked for (“I am a very youthful 50 year old…”).

Instead, the opening paragraph of a resume or cover letter should summarize your strongest pitch for the job you want.

Hiring managers and recruiters are most interested in knowing what job you are apply for, whether your qualifications match their needs and how to reach you. If you cannot bother telling them right up front, why should they bother searching?

Mistake #2. Refuse to Share Information with the Resume Writer

I admit it: I am not a mind reader. In addition, I have not followed you around as you climbed your career ladder. So if you do not tell me what you did in the past, when you did it and what you accomplished, I have no way of knowing.

My job as a professional writer of resumes and cover letters is to present information in the strongest, most accurate, most concise manner and to demonstrate your value to hiring managers and recruiters. To do that, I rely on your old resumes and information supplied through interviews and questionnaires. I cannot invent a resume out of thin air—that is the job of a novelist, not a professional resume writer.

Mistake #3. Reject Professional Advice

My credentials as a professional writer of resumes and cover letters include many certifications, mentoring of other writers and years of success. I am delighted when job applicants take advantage of my expertise and allow me to help them. I am less delighted when they quarrel with my advice, from signing up for a professional email address to making sure their resume is adapted to computerized Applicant Tracking Systems. Often, they counter my advice with wisdom from their families and friends; but love and good intentions are not the same as professional expertise.

The days when applicants needed an objective on their resumes; when it was enough to list the tasks performed, without bothering with accomplishments; when everything absolutely had to fit on one page—those days are gone. I write resumes for the 21st century, not the 20th.

If you are ready to take professional advice, share information and put your best foot forward in your resume or cover letter, please contact me today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2016/07/three-resume-mistakes-that-drive-me-crazy/feed/0Resumes for Jobs in Foreign Countrieshttps://robinresumes.com/2016/06/resumes-for-jobs-in-foreign-countries/
https://robinresumes.com/2016/06/resumes-for-jobs-in-foreign-countries/#respondSun, 26 Jun 2016 10:00:14 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2251If you want to live and work at a foreign location—whether outside the United States for a U.S. citizen or within the United States for a citizen of another country—your resume has to meet certain special criteria.

You will want the hiring manager or recruiter to know that you are familiar with the language of the country where you want to work. It is also important to mention if you have citizenship or dual citizenship in that country, if you have lived (or visited) there previously and if you have educational degrees that are equivalent to those in the foreign country.

If you use a professional resume writer, the writer should be a native speaker in the country where you want to work. Even small mistakes in spelling (for example, between American and British English), grammar or cultural references may undermine your resume.

Different countries have different standards for resumes; may prefer CVs, which are more detailed. Some require your social security or passport number; some (like the U.S.) do not want it. Some expect a photo; some do not. Make sure you understand the expected format and content.

Make it easy for foreign companies to contact you. A LinkedIn account and a Skype account are very helpful additions to email and phone.

Different countries have different ideas about appropriate behavior. Religious views about foods or beverages, comfort with direct eye contact or with touching between men and women, the type of clothing considered professional and many other social norms vary greatly. Make sure your photos and comments on social media do not violate the sensibilities of your target country.

You will face different visa, driving permit and work permit requirements in foreign countries. Familiarize yourself with those requirements before you start your job search to make sure you can meet them in a timely fashion if you are offered an interview or job.

Robin’s Resumes® has helped many foreign job seekers find work in the United States. Contact us today.

For example, switching jobs is now an indication of flexibility and dedication to getting ahead, though it was once considered a symptom of disloyalty or poor performance. You still want to establish a career for at least a year or two before looking elsewhere. But job changes are expected.

In your father’s day, any lengthy unemployment meant you were unemployable. It is still better to hunt for a new job while you are employed. However, most employers are fine with a period of unemployment if you maintain your skills by consulting, volunteering or returning to school.

Social media has created more ways to reach out to potential employers than ever before. If you are job hunting, make sure you are online at LinkedIn and other professional sites. Also make sure that your personal social media (Facebook, Twitter) sounds professional and shows you at your best. In your father’s day, you could disparage a former employer or fellow employee to trusted friends and know your employer would never hear about it. Now anything you—or those trusted friends—post on social media is known to the world.

Job titles are more fluid now than in your father’s day. Individuals may go from Vice President in a national company to CEO of a local company and back to Vice President in an international company while still gaining in prestige and pay. Before deciding against a job on the basis of a title, look for a match with your skills and education and consider the experience you will gain.

Demographics have changed. According to the U.S. Census, women represented 14.8% of the workforce in 1966 but now represent well over 40%. The workforce consists more and more of individuals of different religions, national origins, abilities, ages, and races. Tolerance and respect are not only morally correct; they are mandated by law.

Whether these changes are good or bad is irrelevant—they are facts of life. Your resume should reflect your flexibility, pride in your career, understanding of social media, skills, education, accomplishments, and ability to work with a diverse team. Robin’s Resumes® can help.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2016/06/not-your-fathers-job-market/feed/0Major Mistakes That DIY Resume Writers Makehttps://robinresumes.com/2016/06/major-mistakes-that-diy-resume-writers-make/
https://robinresumes.com/2016/06/major-mistakes-that-diy-resume-writers-make/#respondSun, 12 Jun 2016 10:00:55 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2246One of the qualifications for a professional resume writer is a love of English and knowledge about how to put words together to make a good impression. Sometimes I am baffled by the mistakes I see in do-it-yourself resumes, but the following DIY mistakes are common and easy to catch if you look for them:

Numbers: The first DIY resume writer listed all his jobs in reverse chronological order. Good so far. But when he put down the dates, he had one full-time job lasting from 1990-2012 and another from 2010-2014. Unless he was working full-time for two employers at the same time, the dates were wrong. Another common error with numbers is to write money amounts like this: $20 million dollars. If you have the dollar sign ($), the word “dollars” is redundant. In addition, many people accidentally reverse or drop digits on their cell phone number or zip code. Check all numbers carefully.

Punctuation: Yet another DIY resume writer had a real challenge with punctuation, with commas being thrown in or omitted at random and semi-colons appearing in the middle of sentences with no reason. If punctuation is not your strength, ask an English major to review your resume or consult a grammar book. In most case, the simpler the punctuation, the better. But the exceptions are important.

Spelling: The third DIY resume writer wanted to explain how her various talents work together to make her an excellent chef. She wrote: “Gourmet cooking skills complimented by ability to motivate, organize, and lead teams.” However, the word she really wanted was “complemented.” If you use words of 3 or more syllables, be absolutely sure you know what they mean—look them up.

Factual Information: The final DIY resume writer assumed he knew the names of the companies he worked for. But is it Wal-Mart or Walmart? Is it Bloomingdales or Bloomingdale’s? Is it Nestle or Nestlé? (In each case, the second spelling is correct.) Any company can change its name and the names of its products over time. Never assume you are spelling a company or product name correctly based solely on your memory.

I avoid these mistakes when writing and correct them when proofreading. However, like all professional resume writers, I also depend on you, the job seeker, to catch factual mistakes (for example, dates of employment and figures) that only you know. Always proofread your resume carefully.

You are targeting the wrong job. As I’ve mentioned often, one-size-fits-all resumes (or generic resumes) have no value in the marketplace. Employers want to know that you understand and meet their specific requirements. Your resume may be perfect, but it has to match the jobs that are out there.

You are hiding or creating confusion over your qualifications. Professional resume writers know how to emphasize your most important qualifications or transferrable skills rather than merely hoping that the hiring manager or recruiter will find and recognize them. Professional resume writers also know that not all qualifications are equally important to all potential employers.

You submitted the resume late or to the wrong department or with the wrong subject line or in the wrong file format. All of these details—timing, recipient, subject line, file format—are important, and the company will usually make them clear in the job posting or ad. For example, many companies refuse to open emails from applicants with .pdf attachments. If you aren’t sure, contact the company to find out what they prefer.

You are too trendy. Infographic or video resumes might make a good impression in some industries; in others, it will annoy the hiring managers, confuse the applicant tracking system, and lead your resume straight to the circular file. The same goes for social media. Mention your social media if it is professional and relates to the industry/field you are interested in. If it doesn’t, you should consider revising or even shutting down the sites at least until your job search is over.

At Robin’s Resumes®, our goal is to give you a resume that targets the right job and that clearly and concisely shows why you deserve an interview. Contact us today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2016/06/when-resumes-go-wrong/feed/0Resumes for Career Changershttps://robinresumes.com/2016/05/resumes-for-career-changers-2/
https://robinresumes.com/2016/05/resumes-for-career-changers-2/#respondSun, 29 May 2016 09:28:04 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2239When you are ready to change careers, to a new field, a new position in your existing field, or a new industry, make sure your resume is ready for the change. By thinking ahead, you will be prepared to create a resume that is attractive to hiring managers and recruiters in your new career.

First, find out if you will be a more attractive candidate with certifications or classes in your new career. Someone moving from hands-on product development to project management might, for example, want project management certification.

Second, examine ways you can demonstrate appropriate skills for the new career either through volunteering or part-time work. For example, someone moving from for-profit to nonprofit organizations might begin by volunteering for nonprofit boards and events.

Third, read job postings for your desired career to identify skills you already have that are transferrable to the new career. Those skills should play a prominent role in your resume. Accomplishments and skills that are not needed in your new career should play a secondary role, no matter how impressive they are. For example, if you are moving from a receptionist to a sales position, your ability to interact with people at all levels, to keep accurate records, and to make connections with visitors are all important soft skills for a salesperson.

Fourth, network, network, network, both in person and online. The more people you connect with in your desired career, the more likely someone will think of you when an opportunity arises. Have a professional resume available so that you can send it to them immediately, before memories fade and opportunities vanish.

Finally, work with a professional resume writer who is familiar with the process of changing careers. I am a Job and Career Transition Coach (JCTC) with Master Career Director certification and I have myself transitioned careers. I know change is possible, and I can help you on your way to a new career.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2016/05/resumes-for-career-changers-2/feed/0Do You Still Need a Resume?https://robinresumes.com/2016/05/do-you-still-need-a-resume/
https://robinresumes.com/2016/05/do-you-still-need-a-resume/#respondSun, 22 May 2016 09:23:33 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2237Because so much information appears on social media and professional sites such as LinkedIn, and because many job applicants are creating their own websites, I am often asked if a resume is still needed.

My response is to ask: Where is the content coming from, for the social media, professional sites, and websites?

In every case, the job candidate is working from a job history, with associated accomplishments, education, and skills; in other words, from a resume. You may have the world’s most interesting personal website, but it will not help you get a job unless the right information is there to make you stand out against the competition.

Applicant tracking systems, hiring managers, and recruiters want to see information organized in a way that helps them compare candidates. Applicant tracking systems, in fact, require information in a precise order and with exact keywords: they require a resume. They are not yet sophisticated enough to search through a narrative from a website or Facebook page to extract the information they need, if it even exists in that format.

Hiring managers and recruiters will search professional and social sites online for candidates; but they are looking for a candidate who checks all their boxes. Your goal is hand them those boxes with the least effort on their part: contact information, job history, accomplishments, education, and skills.

Finally, the knowledge that you will someday need a resume helps to focus your attention on your accomplishments while they are happening. You may be happy in your current job with no plans to leave, but change overtakes all of us, and a shift in the economy, marketplace, or even your reporting structure may cause you to start looking. Now is the time to store the kudos you received during your annual review, to measure the amount of time your innovation saved, to track the year-over-year income from a client you helped bring into the company, and so on. If you are merely looking to jazz up your Facebook page, your attitude to those accomplishments will be fleeting and superficial; if you are concentrating on building the foundation of a strong resume, your motivation will be strong.

Bottom line: yes, you still need a resume and you can find help in writing a great one at Robin’s Resumes®.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2016/05/do-you-still-need-a-resume/feed/0Three Preventable Mistakes on Resumeshttps://robinresumes.com/2016/05/three-preventable-mistakes-on-resumes/
https://robinresumes.com/2016/05/three-preventable-mistakes-on-resumes/#commentsSun, 15 May 2016 09:45:23 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2235Resume clients often give me a copy of an outdated resume to serve as a starting point for creating a new, more powerful resume targeted to their current job search. Lately, some preventable writing and proofreading mistakes have been cropping up in those old resumes crop over and over again.

For example, Marine Corps has appeared in more than one resume without the “s” in Corps. The word “corp.” is an abbreviation for “corporation” and the word “corpse” refers to a dead body but the word “corps” refers to a military organization. It is the word you need in a sentence like the following:

Worked closely with the Marine Corps and the Army Corps of Engineers.

A second mistake that appears frequently is putting a period after “LLC” in a company name. You need a period in the abbreviation for corporation (ABC Corp.) and in the abbreviation for incorporated (ABC Inc.) but not for LLC (ABC LLC). By the way, if an abbreviation occurs at the end of a sentence, the same period serves for both the end of the abbreviation and the end of the sentence. You don’t need two periods. The following punctuation is correct:

Promoted to lead HR in 2005 after improving morale at ABC Inc. Was assigned to head HR at ABC Inc. and Foghorn LLC as part of a joint venture.

A third preventable writing mistake involves the word “including.” The correct punctuation is a comma before and no punctuation after the word—but more and more I’m seeing a semi-colon before “including” and a colon after. A colon after “including” is appropriate before a bullet list but generally not in a sentence. The correct punctuation in a sentence is:

Led all marketing efforts, including print, customer-facing, social media, and billboard.

At Robin’s Resumes, we specifically look for common and uncommon mistakes when writing and proofreading your resume. We approach every resume with a fresh eye so that it represents you in the most professional manner. Contact us today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2016/05/three-preventable-mistakes-on-resumes/feed/3Technical Resumes: Five Steps to a Better Resumehttps://robinresumes.com/2016/05/technical-resumes-five-steps-to-a-better-resume/
https://robinresumes.com/2016/05/technical-resumes-five-steps-to-a-better-resume/#respondSun, 08 May 2016 09:45:56 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2233Many technical resumes suffer because engineers, developers, researchers, and other technical job applicants have trouble communicating what they do. Many of them are more at home drawing a diagram than writing; and many are used to communicating with their peers at a level where a hiring manager or recruiter is simply lost. Still, the hiring managers and recruiters are the ones who will ultimately examine a resume and decide whether a candidate should move forward to an interview. Here are five steps you can take to help ensure you are one of those candidates:

Make sure you understand the type and level of technical knowledge the company is interested in hearing about. The company’s website is an excellent resource for clear, concise, and accurate descriptions of the company’s technology. The job posting will have been written to clearly describe the specific holes the company wants to fill in its technical knowledge and technical staff. Armed with those descriptions, you should write your resume with the same level of clarity.

Go beyond listing your areas of technical expertise; explain how your knowledge helped the company you are working at now. By placing your technical skills in context, you are helping hiring managers and recruiters understand what you do and its potential value to the company. Or to put it another way, any programmer can learn C++ eventually; what you did with C++ is your unique achievement.

Define your terms. Many technical acronyms have slid into the common language, such as SaaS, but others are still obscure. This is probably true of any terms created by your current company or division. Some common acronyms such as CBM have multiple meanings (coal bed methane; condition-based maintenance, etc.) depending on the industry. Make sure you define terms that can be misunderstood.

Use standard grammar. Follow this rule: If a sentence does not make grammatical sense, it cannot make technical sense. Do not try to justify poor grammar (or spelling) because you are relaying complex technical information.

Hand your resume to a technical peer and ask if he or she understands your resume and would hire you. It is easy to assume that your technical peers will understand everything you write. If your resume fails that basic test, then you definitely need to rewrite.

As a graduate of MIT and a long-time practicing chemical and production engineer, I know the challenges faced by candidates for technical positions. If you need help with your resume, contact me today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2016/05/technical-resumes-five-steps-to-a-better-resume/feed/0Four Things Professional Resume Writers Cannot Dohttps://robinresumes.com/2016/05/four-things-professional-resume-writers-cannot-do/
https://robinresumes.com/2016/05/four-things-professional-resume-writers-cannot-do/#respondSun, 01 May 2016 10:00:27 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2231As a professional resume writer, I have a commitment to giving you a clear, concise, accurate resume that shows off your value to hiring managers and recruiters and that can help you move on to the next stage in the application process, an interview. But that commitment also includes things that I cannot do for you.

I cannot lie for you. If I am aware of any discrepancies or lies in your resume, I will advise you against them. I will help you find ways to deal with information you are anxious about, such as a long gap in employment, multiple short-term jobs, an inability to meet one of the job requirements, or an incomplete degree. Lying is the worst option and one that I will not consider.

I cannot create a four-page resume out of nothing. When the content justifies it, a resume can be any length—there is no longer a prejudice against resumes of two pages or more. But the information must be relevant, focused on the job requirements and the industry/company where you are applying. You need to provide information about yourself and what you are interested in; I cannot read your mind.

I cannot guarantee you a response. Any resume writer who guarantees an interview (or even an acknowledgement) from companies is not a professional. Circumstances beyond your own and my control often dictate that a resume disappears into the ether. The company may decide to go with an internal candidate; it may be overwhelmed with applicants with even stronger skills than you have; the position may be withdrawn for economic reasons; or the company may decide they need to change the requirements and re-post.

I cannot help it if your grammar or spell checker disagrees with me. Yes, I make mistakes like anyone else; but frankly I know more than any electronic grammar or spell checkers and I am more often right than they are. I am happy to discuss subject/verb agreement or any other subject where the grammar checker says one thing and I say another, but please give me the benefit of the doubt.

With decades of experience as a professional resume writer, as well as certifications and industry recognition, I am clear on what I can and cannot do. One thing I am absolutely sure of: Robin’s Resumes® will deliver a resume that you can be proud to call your own.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2016/05/four-things-professional-resume-writers-cannot-do/feed/0The Most Common Resume Lieshttps://robinresumes.com/2016/04/the-most-common-resume-lies/
https://robinresumes.com/2016/04/the-most-common-resume-lies/#respondSun, 24 Apr 2016 09:11:50 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2224If you ever thought about stretching the truth on your resume, you may want to rethink the strategy. The statistics on the amount of lying in resumes are stunning: one study claims that 53% of applicants lie. However, that is not a green light for joining the liars. It simply means that hiring managers and recruiters are well aware of the situation and have re-doubled their efforts to check out the facts on resumes.

The most common lies that appear on resumes involve dates of employment (shaving off or adding months and even years), inflating accomplishments and skills (including job titles), faking credentials (including education and professional licenses), and providing false references.

These lies are easy for companies to check and they immediately disqualify a candidate from consideration. The mantra of most companies is “verify, verify, verify.” They call previous employers, they call references, and they check online to see if the information on the resume matches with the information that appears in social media, professional sites, and other locations.

Pre-employment screening companies specialize in verifying information about job candidates. Criminal background, driving record, and credit history checks are easier than ever to perform. Truly, your life is out there on the internet.

However, even if a lying candidate is eventually offered a job, inflated accomplishments and fake credentials have a habit of showing up in job performance, ensuring a quick end to the new hire’s career. Even the best scam artist finds it difficult to keep up a false identity hour after hour, day after day, for an entire lifetime. Someone eventually catches on.

There are many cases of people lying about their credentials causing them to not only lose their jobs, but also lose their careers. For example, a few years ago, the Director of Admissions from my alma mater, MIT, lost her job and career. When she applied to MIT for a job a couple of decades before she became the Director of Admissions, she had lied about graduating with a Bachelor’s degree for a job that did not require the degree. When she became a force for change in admission policies for colleges and universities, someone investigated her background. When they found out she lied about her degree and outed her, she lost her job and her ability to ever serve in that capacity. She was an excellent Director of Admissions, with a strong reputation for doing a fantastic job. However, since she had lied decades before, she lost her standing in the community.

In addition, in many states and on federal government applications, lying about a degree is a misdemeanor or can even be a felony.

If you have concerns about your resume, there are much better and less fraught ways to address a problem than lying about it. I have 20 years of experience in handling sensitive information in resumes and I can help you.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2016/04/the-most-common-resume-lies/feed/0How to Create a Resume That Gives a Great First Impressionhttps://robinresumes.com/2016/04/how-to-create-a-resume-that-gives-a-great-first-impression/
https://robinresumes.com/2016/04/how-to-create-a-resume-that-gives-a-great-first-impression/#respondSun, 17 Apr 2016 09:58:57 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2222A resume is your introduction to hiring managers and recruiters so they will consider inviting you to an interview. First impressions are important during any introduction. Make sure your resume makes a great first impression:

Your resume stands up strongly for you. Your resume should look hiring managers and recruiters in the eye and explain exactly what you do, have done, and will do for their company. Eliminate words like “capable of….” You either deliver what the company is looking for or you don’t. To say you are “capable of” performing is to hedge your bets: maybe you will come through but maybe you won’t.

Your resume is appropriate to the job. You would not expect raves from your host if you show up for a wedding in a clown suit. So why should hiring managers or recruiters rave over a resume that has little or nothing to do with their company’s expectations? Write your resume to fit the job you want (not the job you held last, but the job you are aiming for) with skills, accomplishments, and other information that speaks directly to the needs of a company.

Your resume stands out among the rest—for good reasons. Again, a clown suit will bring you attention at a wedding but probably not the second invitation you were hoping for. If you want your resume to stand out, forget gimmicks; instead, give details and facts that show your value to the company. Your achievements and work history are unique to you. Give yourself the credit you deserve by describing them clearly.

Your resume gets the once over before it leaves the door. When you are headed out the door for an interview, a friend will stop you if your collar is bent or your shirt needs tucking. Accept help with your resume: ask someone to read and proof it (manually, not electronically) before it leaves or give yourself 24 hours to develop a fresh eye.

Resumes that represent you with strength, appropriate information, interesting detail, and a professional appearance are the specialty of Robin’s Resumes®. Contact us today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2016/04/how-to-create-a-resume-that-gives-a-great-first-impression/feed/0What CEOs Look for in Resumeshttps://robinresumes.com/2016/04/what-ceos-look-for-in-resumes/
https://robinresumes.com/2016/04/what-ceos-look-for-in-resumes/#respondSun, 10 Apr 2016 09:55:32 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2220TheNew York Times has run a regular Sunday feature column in which the CEOs of various companies talk about their hiring procedures. Their comments raise interesting points about resumes.

For example, David Politis, CEO of BetterCloud, has advised new college graduates, “The first thing I tell people is, try to go where you can be a big fish in a small pond…where you can actually have a real impact on the business. That gives you an opportunity to punch above your weight class.” A resume should show more than the ability to finish tasks; it should show solid contributions made in previous positions. Companies want to know: What did the candidate accomplish in the past?

Vivek Gupta, CEO of Zensar Technologies, has said, “I want to hire people who are very different from me or better than me in certain areas so that one plus one equals more than two.” Here Vivek Gupta is speaking to the need of companies to fill the gaps in their organization. Job postings and company websites are the primary sources to identify to those gaps and then address them in a resume and cover letter. Companies want to know: What value will the candidate add?

Stewart Butterfield, CEO of Stack, reflected on “soft skills,” such as empathy, courtesy and time management. “One way that empathy manifests itself is courtesy….Don’t let your colleagues down; if you say you’re going to do something, do it…[Try] to anticipate someone else’s needs and [meet] them in advance.” Professional resume writers know the importance of addressing soft skills in a resume. When describing accomplishments, the resume should make it clear how the candidate has helped mentor teammates, smoothed difficulties, improved communications or efficiency and contributed to a good work environment. Companies want to know: Will this candidate fit in with our culture?

At Robin’s Resumes®, we collaborate with job seekers to create resumes that meet the high standards set by company CEOs and embraced by hiring managers and recruiters. We look forward to working with you.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2016/04/what-ceos-look-for-in-resumes/feed/0Recovering from Failure: How Your Resume Helpshttps://robinresumes.com/2016/04/recovering-from-failure-how-your-resume-helps/
https://robinresumes.com/2016/04/recovering-from-failure-how-your-resume-helps/#respondSun, 03 Apr 2016 10:00:28 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2218If you took a chance on starting your own company or moving to a different industry or handling a project outside your normal skill set—and failed or were fired—you have to focus on recovery, both in life and in your resume. In the course of my own career, I have found myself working at incompatible companies and I have made major changes in career goals. I know failure is hard.

How do you handle failure on your resume?

First, focus on that good news. You started your own company and kept your skills fresh. You took a chance when others wouldn’t. You tried something new. That shows initiative, courage and accountability. Or maybe you were fired because you took chances you should not have taken or failed to follow through. The fact that a lesson was learned is also valuable.

Second and most important, you likely had some successes even if you currently think you failed. If you started your own company, did you earn some income, set up the corporate governance, set up a website, hire staff, develop a new product, or have some other successes? If let go or fired from a company, did you succeed for years, was the “failure” a change of culture or management, did you have an outside event that caused you not to succeed?

Third, keep in mind that several of the current candidates for President of the United States suffered failure during their careers, including bankruptcy, firing and dismissal. You are not alone. Consider your moment of failure an opportunity to evaluate where you want to go in your career. When you set a goal and work toward it, failure becomes a minor blip in the road. Most people who are successful first fail. Failure is just a step toward learning what you need to do next.

Fourth, give a professional resume writer a chance to work with your resume. Maybe you need a section that highlights your past achievements before delving into your present lack of a job. Maybe you need to reframe a layoff with a brief explanation such as “company closed” or “multiple rounds of downsizing.” Professional resume writers have strategies for dealing with awkward career facts.

Fifth, take a good look at your resume before the failure. Remind yourself of past achievements and accomplishments. You are greater than your current situation.

Sixth, view your failure as a success. By failing, you are now no longer in the situation that probably was causing you stress and angst. In many cases, being forced to leave a situation can put you on the path towards success – just the boost you needed to move forward in your life and your career. Instead of looking it as a failure, do a paradigm shift and look at this as the next stepping stone in your career.

At Robin’s Resumes® we know that every career is unique, sometimes in ways that seem to undermine a job search. Please contact us so that we can help you move forward with a resume that shows your true value to a future employer.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2016/04/recovering-from-failure-how-your-resume-helps/feed/0“Before” and “After” Resumes: What Makes the Difference?https://robinresumes.com/2016/03/before-and-after-resumes-what-makes-the-difference/
https://robinresumes.com/2016/03/before-and-after-resumes-what-makes-the-difference/#respondSun, 27 Mar 2016 09:33:15 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2213Most people come to me with a resume already written. It may be 15 or 20 years old—unused while they built their career in a single company—or it may be their first attempt at a resume. In any case, they have put words on paper to describe their careers. These are the “before” resumes. What do I do that makes them “after” resumes?

First, most “before” resumes do not stress accomplishments. They are task oriented: “I did this on my job and then I did that.” When I create an “after” resume, it shows the value that the candidate contributed: dollars or hours saved, teams inspired, solutions found, or some other tangible or intangible benefit. It shows that the candidate’s contribution was recognized: through awards or promotions given, responsibility increased, or testimonials received from peers, customers, or vendors.

Second, most “before” resumes are poorly organized. A great deal of space is spent on a list of unorganized duties without accomplishments, or accomplishments which do not speak to the employer’s needs. “After” resumes begin with a clear headline and compelling profile. They stress keywords and “must haves” from job listings, integrated smoothly into the text. The format conforms to current standards; is easy to follow; and works with electronic Applicant Tracking Systems.

Third, most “before” resumes make too many assumptions. Hiring managers and recruiters cannot guess at the job a candidate wants, the qualifications a candidate meets, or the unique value a candidate brings. In many “before” resumes, information is left out by oversight or because “everyone knows that” or “no one cares about that.” The “after” resume that I write delivers information clearly and concisely. I spend time to know candidates in the way that hiring managers and recruiters want to know them—then represent the candidate in the strongest possible terms.

Fourth, most “before” resumes contain errors of content or judgment. Acronyms are unexplained; grammatical and spelling mistakes creep in; or perhaps the level of technical language is inappropriate for hiring managers and recruiters. Easily dealt with problems, such as gaps in employment, raise red flags rather than being helped by good resume writing techniques. In the “after” resume, the candidate and I have partnered to eliminate errors and to solve problems in a professional manner.

If you want to be sure that your resume is the strongest possible—with a stress on accomplishments, great organization, and complete, concise, accurate information throughout—then please contact Robin’s Resumes® today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2016/03/before-and-after-resumes-what-makes-the-difference/feed/0Resume Secrets Revealedhttps://robinresumes.com/2016/03/resume-secrets-revealed/
https://robinresumes.com/2016/03/resume-secrets-revealed/#respondSun, 20 Mar 2016 09:29:28 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2211With over a decade of experience writing resumes and with credentials from the most respected professional associations, I have specialized knowledge that I put to work on every resume. Today, I share some resume secrets that I have accumulated over the years.

Resumes are marketing documents. Your resume is first an honest record of your past employment; but it is also a marketing document. Just like any product brochure, it gives the facts but it also gives a feeling for the product—how it will be used, what need it will meet, and how it compares to the competition. You are the product, and the company is the buyer. A professional resume shows that you are a good fit for the company where you are applying, that you fulfill the company’s stated need (in the job posting), and that you bring accomplishments, skills, experience, and education that set you apart from the competition.

The role of the resume is constantly changing. Years ago, computerized Applicant Tracking Systems were not on anyone’s wish list; now most companies use them. Years ago, “keywords” had no relevance to resumes; now they are important. As a professional resume writer, I keep up with the trends so that your resume meets current standards and the expectations of recruiters and hiring managers.

You cannot say everything in your resume. You do not need to include every college course, every job you had from the day you graduated high school, and every task you ever completed. No one expects that, and companies never hire based on the resume alone. They always interview. So your resume should stress the information that the company needs most to consider you a viable candidate and invite you to interview.

Professional resume writers need your help. We cannot write a resume by reading your mind. You must give us a past resume and/or information that we request on a form and through interviews. You must spend the time and effort to check our work—we cannot know if you “led” or “co-led” an effort unless you tell us.

I make sure that every resume I write stands out as a marketing document, meets current resume standards, targets the company and job you want, and involves a professional process that is as valuable and smooth as possible. Please contact me today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2016/03/resume-secrets-revealed/feed/06 Things to Never Put on Your Resumehttps://robinresumes.com/2016/03/6-things-to-never-put-on-your-resume/
https://robinresumes.com/2016/03/6-things-to-never-put-on-your-resume/#commentsSun, 13 Mar 2016 09:26:43 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2209When reading a resume, recruiters or hiring managers are less concerned with how long it is than whether they are getting the information they need quickly and accurately. Therefore, it is a big mistake to load your resume with information that recruiters and hiring managers do not need.

For example, they do not need:

Your philosophy of life. Unless you are applying for a position at a religious organization or a political organization, recruiters and hiring managers do not need to know your religious or political views. Unless you are applying to cook at a vegan restaurant, they do not need to know that you are a vegan. Unless you are applying to a sports organization or retailer, they do not need to know your favorite sports.

Your past failures. A resume is a “marketing” document: it is marketing you. Past failures might come up in the interview, but they do not belong on your resume. Never apologize on your resume for results you did not achieve.

Your personal information: marital status, health, sexual orientation, or age. This information might open up recruiters and hiring managers to charges of discrimination. Besides, if they really want that information they can probably find it on your Facebook account, right? (Warning: Make sure your social media presence is as professional as your resume—for the time of your job search at least.)

Your social security number or any other information that could lead to identity theft. Professional recruiters and hiring managers in the United States do not ask for that information. You have no control over who will eventually read the resume or what they might do with the information.

Your entire life story. Recruiters and hiring managers want your resume to tell them how your accomplishments, education, and skills will benefit their company. Keep your resume targeted on the job you want and the qualifications that a job posting highlights.

Distractions. Too many colors, too much bolding and italicizing and capitalization, too many changes in font and font size are all distractions from the content. You want recruiters and hiring managers to absorb the content of your resume, not waste time fighting their way through the design.

For a professional resume that keeps hiring managers and recruiters interested in reading more about you, please contact Robin’s Resumes®.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2016/03/6-things-to-never-put-on-your-resume/feed/2Resumes for College Graduateshttps://robinresumes.com/2016/03/resumes-for-college-graduates/
https://robinresumes.com/2016/03/resumes-for-college-graduates/#respondSun, 06 Mar 2016 10:23:56 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2207Congratulations on your upcoming graduation from college! Some of you will be going on to graduate school but a majority of you will be looking for the first full-time job in your chosen career. Here are some tips and warnings that will help you toward interviews and ultimately a successful career.

Highlight any work, volunteer, or leadership activity. Never dismiss part-time positions, even if they are not in your field, volunteer work, or leadership roles you have taken in college or community committees or organizations. Active work experience and organizational participation underscores your ability to work with others.

Mention your GPA if you want and if it is high, especially in your major. Briefly list any courses you took that are most closely relevant to the career you want. Employers understand that you are a recent college graduate; they may not understand how prepared you are for your chosen career.

List honors, awards, and promotions you have received, from employee of the month to a single golf trophy, even if you feel “embarrassed” by it or undeserving. Your future employer will be delighted to know that others thought well of you.

Be careful of outdated advice. For example, you may be advised to write an objective instead of a profile, include a long list of keywords (visibly or invisibly), or add “references upon request.” Do not follow that advice.

Take help when it is offered. You need someone to proofread your resume manually (do not rely on online spell-checkers and grammar-checkers). As a recent college graduate, you need to listen to suggestions for beefing up or toning down your resume—first-time job seekers often go to extremes, either claiming too much or too little.

Know what you are looking for. This is probably the most important and most difficult of these tips for a recent college graduate. The generic resume, aimed at “any job,” will never capture the job of your dreams. If you do not know what you want, how can you expect recruiters and hiring managers to know?

Please consider using a professional resume writer. At Robin’s Resumes®, we understand that your first job after college may set the tone for the rest of your career. Our resumes help you find a job you will love.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2016/03/resumes-for-college-graduates/feed/0Catch These Resume Mistakes before They Happenhttps://robinresumes.com/2016/02/catch-these-resume-mistakes-before-they-happen/
https://robinresumes.com/2016/02/catch-these-resume-mistakes-before-they-happen/#respondSun, 28 Feb 2016 10:22:13 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2203Today I’m focusing on three resume mistakes that are easily avoided—and all too common.

Resume Mistake 1: Too much capitalization

I often see this problem on technical resumes, where every noun from Customer to Technology is capitalized. Save capitals for proper names—official names and titles, like ABC Company versus “the company” or Southwest Regional Manager versus “the manager.”

Professional resume writers know that, if you capitalize every noun, pretty soon capitalization loses its power and also becomes very difficult to read. For example, consider how capitalizing every noun detracts from this sentence: “Directed Finance Functions for several Companies, including Cash Flow Management, by working closely with each Company’s CFO or SVP of Finance.” Moreover, you quickly lose track of which words you have capitalized, leading to inconsistency from one job description to the next.

Resume Mistake 2: Too many acronyms

You may have used an acronym for years (for example, HIPAA or APICS or VMS); but never known or forgotten what the initials stand for. You may have exchanged them inside your company for years, but never wondered if anyone outside your company uses the same acronyms in the same way. You may think that the National Organization of Antelope Habitats is abbreviated NOAH, but it is actually NOOAH.

When it comes to acronyms—in fact, when it comes to the entire resume—professional resume writers question everything and ask you to question everything. We always research and we never assume.

Resume Mistake 3. Depending too much on the computer

Whether you are depending on the computer for formatting, spell-checking or grammar-checking—take charge.

Professional resume writers know that computers get confused. You may have told the computer that every main heading should be bold, centered, in 10 point Ariel font; but then you will find one heading in 10.5 font or without bolding or with no centering. You may have run the spell-checker a dozen times, but the computer will still okay “revue” when you meant “revenue.” As for online grammar-checkers, any professional resume writer will tell you that they are worthless. Proof, re-proof and proof again manually and ask at least one other person to proof your resume for you.

One advantage of hiring a professional resume writer is that you are hiring someone who anticipates resume mistakes and knows how to correct them. I will work side-by-side with you, on the way to an error-free resume. Call me today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2016/02/catch-these-resume-mistakes-before-they-happen/feed/0Read this before responding to Finnburg & Switzer recruiter: Red Flags – FTC Shut it Down as Scamhttps://robinresumes.com/2016/02/read-this-before-responding-to-finnburg-switzer-recruiter-red-flags-some-consider-a-it-scam/
https://robinresumes.com/2016/02/read-this-before-responding-to-finnburg-switzer-recruiter-red-flags-some-consider-a-it-scam/#commentsFri, 26 Feb 2016 15:50:07 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2296A couple of years ago, I posted information about a scam focused on bogus venture capital (or other) job opportunities, which forwarded folks to “fake” ATS scoring systems, and then to bogus resume services to “fix” resumes. At that time, many resume writers got messages from their clients that their resumes were not ATS-friendly – along with many job seekers, even though they were. One of these fake scorers was Resumeterpro (not Resumeter).

When I posted that online, I received hundreds of calls and postings from job seekers who were taken in by this scam. However, after receiving threats, I took down my posting at that time.

The FTC has halted this operation. It took awhile, but there is hope in shutting down shady operators.

BELOW IS THE POST I MADE IN THE PAST ON THIS.

This is a post I put to private when threatened a year ago by the scammers. It has since been confirmed as a scam on sites such as Fortune Magazine: Venture Capital Recruiting Scam Resurfaces | Fortune.com, and shut down. I am re-posting this publicly since similar scams still abound. ResumeterPro no longer exists.

At that time, I did not know the name of the “recruiter” referring candidates to resumeterpro.com. Since then, more that 20 job seekers have contacted me by posting on my website, posting on LinkedIn, and/or by phone, indicating they were contacted via their LinkedIn profiles by various “recruiters” from “Finnburg & Switzer” – www.finnburgswitzer.com – telling them they would be referred for a job – and then emailing them about the failure of their resume to pass ATS.

If you go to the site, they refer to the company as Finnburg and Switzer or Finnburg Switzer or Finnburg & Switzer. It is unusual for a company to list their names in 3 separate ways on websites and in emails.

Also, they have a phone number associated with contact@finnburgswitzer.com that is different than in the press release: +44 2071 646 174.

Note, Finnburg “&” Switzer is a financial firm, supposedly located in Switzerland some of my google search (based in Geneva per their press release) – but based in London, per their Linkedin profile. Their domain is hidden on Domains By Proxy, LLC on GoDaddy, Inc. – a US based company. The domain was registered on 11/21/2013, so it is a bit older. The company did not cover other domains such as Net or Org – and for a company of 51-200 employees this is unusual. The website lists addresses in Geneva, London, and NY that agree with the addresses on LinkedIn and the Press Release.

The address on the email sent to me is a mail drop / temporary office space in New York city shared by many others. It is not a permanent address for a company.

They have only 3 employees with LinkedIn profiles. None have a picture, and they look sparse to me. There have been other LinkedIn scams with networks set up in the past.

There are other pictures of company officials on the site. One other is also associated with others on the Internet per google search and is also available on stock photo sites. The second one is difficult for google images to read and I am not sure if it is a match for the one google is presenting.

Here is the content one of the job seekers sent me of their email from the “recruiter.” They get the email for an interview FIRST, before they get this second email. It could be from other recruites, here is a typical email

From: Sofia Campbell
Date: June 7, 2016 at 8:14:31 PM EDT
To:
Subject: Re: PE Portfolio Opportunity
Reply-To: Sofia Campbell
I have been having problems getting your resume in our applicant tracking software. For some reason all your past experience is not being scanned correctly resulting in a lot of missing information. I contacted our software provider and was told that the issue is due to your resume using styling that converts the text to non-readable format, the file type is not the issue since our system accepts all file types. They instructed me to ask you to check your resume through a free online tool they work with (https://www.resumeterpro.com) and see if you can identify and fix the problem.

Have you experienced any issues with your resume being rejected in the past? Can you please run your resume through that tool and try to fix any issues before the end of next week otherwise I will have to manually enter all your information in the system which I will not be able to do until I return and since we have to submit the resume to their inhouse recruiting team even if I manually enter it in our system I am afraid the same issue may come up then too. I hope you can get this fixed by the end of next week so our timing is not affected.

I’ll wait for an updated copy from you and will keep you posted on our progress through emails while I’m traveling.

P.s: Sorry I cannot commit to an exact time for interview right now but what I can do is email you a few time slots by next Thursday and we can agree to something that works for both of us.

NOTICE: The information contained in this message may be privileged. It may also be protected from disclosure or be a privileged work product or proprietary information. This information is intended for the exclusive use of the addressee(s). If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender immediately by replying to this message and you are hereby notified that any use, disclosure, dissemination, distribution (other than to the addressee(s)), copying or taking of any action because of this information is strictly prohibited.

This is the recruitment letter I got from another job seeker:

Thank you for sending you resume over. I apologize for the delay in response, I was swamped with meetings.

I am leaving for London early morning tomorrow for meeting with the investors of this deal. I have worked with them in the past and have a good idea of how they move things. My team and I have a number of candidates shortlisted and at this point you are definitely a top contender. Here is some more background

A very prestigious European private equity firm acquired the company recently for a turn around opportunity. It is a mid-sized company with national presence and revenue in the range of $50m to $60m. Investors have already brought in a new interim CEO and are looking to replace the c-suite and other senior leadership positions. Company is headquartered in Florida and will not require relocation which is one of the reason why you are an ideal candidate because everyone else being considered at this point will need to relocate. Some overseas travel may be required since the investors are all in Europe. I think your past experience in the industry, especially in your role at MBL Risk Analytics makes you an ideal candidate. While I am still waiting on more details and specifics, based on my past experience working with these investors I believe the complete compensation package will be above your expectations and I also believe this is a great opportunity for you to advance your career at this time. One of the biggest advantage of working with this PE firm is their loyalty, I have seen many of their past picks appointed to board and advisory roles in other portfolio companies and I think a career advancement opportunity like this is perfect for you at this time. All in all I think this is a great fit for everyone but since we are in such an early stage of the process all I can tell you is what I believe to be true and there is no guarantee at this point that all the decision makers will agree with me. I hope you can understand the requirement for confidentiality at this time which prevents me from sharing more details until we start the paperwork next week.

I will be sending your resume to their inhouse recruiting team today and will also enter it into our system so we are ready to move forward as soon as I return. Next step at this point will be the NDA which I will try to get over to you via email as soon as possible after the meeting next week. I will be back in NY by the end of next week but do not plan to go into work until Monday. I would like to schedule a call with you first thing on Monday 20th June so let me know your availability. Formal interview in our NYC office will be required and we can set a schedule for that during our call.

Please let me know if you have any current commitments which may prevent you from moving forward with this in a timely manner so I can take those into consideration if a question comes up during my meetings.

NOTICE: The information contained in this message may be privileged. It may also be protected from disclosure or be a privileged work product or proprietary information. This information is intended for the exclusive use of the addressee(s). If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender immediately by replying to this message and you are hereby notified that any use, disclosure, dissemination, distribution (other than to the addressee(s)), copying or taking of any action because of this information is strictly prohibited.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2016/02/read-this-before-responding-to-finnburg-switzer-recruiter-red-flags-some-consider-a-it-scam/feed/36Emailing Your Resumehttps://robinresumes.com/2016/02/emailing-your-resume/
https://robinresumes.com/2016/02/emailing-your-resume/#respondSun, 21 Feb 2016 11:00:12 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2201Everyone is emailing resumes these days—but are they doing it correctly? Here are a few rules to follow when you are emailing your resume.

Send your resume in the format requested in the job posting. Usually this will be Word or .txt format (not .pdf unless specifically requested).

Make sure you are using the correct email address. If you make any mistake in the recipient’s address, the email will not arrive—and you may not be notified.

Do not send unsolicited emails to random addresses (for example, CEO@company.com). Most companies have software that will bar you from reaching that address and most employees are well aware of the dangers of opening unsolicited email.

Check the job posting for information on what to put in the subject line of the email.

If the job posting does not give directions about the subject line, include the position ID or name (for example, “Resume for Junior Accountant Position”).

Write a professional cover email and include the same content as you would in a cover letter. The rule here is that a cover email might not be read but a blank email or one filled with emoticons is not professional.

Make sure your content information is included in your email just as it appears on your resume.

Send your email from a professional email address (for example, jjones@yahoo.com), not the one you use for friends and family (for example, dudeandbabe@yahoo.com).

Do not send multiple, daily follow-up emails. The rule here favors the employer over the job applicant. You can contact the company after a week or so to make sure they received your resume—but if the job posting stated you should wait to hear from them, then you should simply wait and assume that you didn’t get the job if you don’t hear.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2016/02/emailing-your-resume/feed/0Five Important Resume Factshttps://robinresumes.com/2016/02/five-important-resume-facts/
https://robinresumes.com/2016/02/five-important-resume-facts/#commentsSun, 14 Feb 2016 11:00:15 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2199I went searching through the internet today and found some fascinating resume facts that I thought I’d share with you, along with some advice on what those facts mean for you.

Fact: Currently, over 90% of resumes are sent by email or posted online.

What It Means to You: Your resume should be in the best format (not .pdf!) for sending by email and posting online. You also need a professional email address (recruiters are put off by unprofessional addresses).

Fact: 93% of recruiters will look at your online profile.

What It Means to You: You need a professional social media presence. You need an online profile that supports your resume (and vice versa).

Fact: You can use as many pages as you need for concise, well-written, focused content.

What It Means to You: You still need to use space wisely. Recruiters and hiring managers dislike generic resumes—with content to fit any job that happens to come along. They want a targeted, sharp resume that shows them what you can do for the company.

Fact: Work history may include previous employment, volunteer work, consulting, freelancing, and contract positions.

What It Means to You: You can make use of every demonstration of your skills and accomplishments as long as you organize your “work history” properly. That may mean creating a section of “Relevant Experience” or “Career Highlights” or it may mean combining consulting jobs under a “Consulting” headline to avoid an appearance of job hopping.

Fact: Electronic spell-checkers and grammar-checkers miss major errors in grammar and spelling or even give bad advice.

What It Means to You: You must proofread manually and ask at least one other person to proofread for you—you are probably so familiar with your resume that your eye may skip over an important error. Use a dictionary!

In the resume world, these facts are not likely to change soon. Please contact Robin’s Resumes® to help your resume succeed in the real world.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2016/02/five-important-resume-facts/feed/2Management Resumes: Leaving Managementhttps://robinresumes.com/2016/02/management-resumes-leaving-management/
https://robinresumes.com/2016/02/management-resumes-leaving-management/#respondSun, 07 Feb 2016 11:07:21 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2197In a company where I used to work, a newly promoted manager decided after a year that he did not like management. He wanted to remain hands-on with projects rather than dealing with people issues and paperwork. Fortunately, he worked in a large company that was responsive to the employees. His request to step down from management was accommodated with few problems.

But if you are a manager who wants to step down from management, you may have to look outside your current company for an opportunity. Here are a few points to keep in mind:

Make sure your problem is with the management role, not the company. You may find that you like being a manager if you are in a smaller or larger company or different industry sector or different company culture.

Make sure you are clear about your reasons for leaving management. When you network and interview, you must be comfortable with your decision. If you are comfortable with your decision, others will be comfortable recommending you and considering you for job openings.

Make sure your hands-on skills are still current. While technical skills are the most likely to become dated, every field has some aspect that changes over time. If your skills need refreshing, take relevant courses and obtain relevant certifications.

Consider whether you would accept a contract or consulting position to transfer back into the hands-on arena. A temporary or consulting position is a good way to transition and to hone your hands-on skills.

As a professional resume writer, I can help you refocus your resume toward a company where you would be happier as a manager or away from management entirely.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2016/02/management-resumes-leaving-management/feed/0Management Resumes: Changing Companieshttps://robinresumes.com/2016/01/management-resumes-changing-companies/
https://robinresumes.com/2016/01/management-resumes-changing-companies/#respondSun, 31 Jan 2016 10:13:46 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2184By the time most people reach a management position, they may have spent years in a particular industry or a particular company. Moving from one company or industry to another while keeping or advancing your position may be tricky. Here are a few important tips for your resume:

Make sure you know your own strengths and highlight them. “Management” covers a lot of skills, including people, financial, regulatory, production, assets, vendors, subcontracting, and office management. Where do you want to focus your career? Where is your expertise? Hiring managers and recruiters are not going to hunt for your strengths; your resume has to tell them.

Many individuals enter management positions from other fields, such as finance, legal, or technical. Your prior positions may give you a depth of industry experience that other managers lack. By keeping your goal in mind (a management job in X industry with X company), you can decide how much emphasis to give to that earlier experience.

Job titles vary from industry to industry and from company to company. Do not become so stuck on a title that you miss the opportunity to broaden your managerial experience and move to the next level.

Focus in on the keywords most important to the industry or company you are targeting and then demonstrate through achievements that you have the skills and experience represented by those keywords. For example, in your profile you might say, “managed P&L.” But in the bullet points, be sure to give the details: “Held full P&L responsibility for $45 million autoparts division.”

As always, numbers speak. Indicate the value of your accomplishments in dollars, percentages, or other figures (“increased closure rate on sales 25% in first six months by removing underperformers and mentoring remaining sales staff”). Employers like candidates who can deliver tangible results.

It may have been years since you sought a management job on your own, relying instead on promotions or calls from headhunters. If you need the help of a professional resume writer for any reason, please contact me.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2016/01/management-resumes-changing-companies/feed/0Management Resumes: Applying for Your First Management Jobhttps://robinresumes.com/2016/01/management-resumes-applying-for-your-first-management-job/
https://robinresumes.com/2016/01/management-resumes-applying-for-your-first-management-job/#respondSun, 24 Jan 2016 10:55:13 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2181At some point in your career, you may be ready for the responsibilities and challenges of managing other people. The company where you work may not recognize that moment as quickly as you do. If you feel you must move on to move up into management, Robin’s Resumes® can help.

Here are a few things you can do to strengthen your resume for applying for management positions:

Attend courses, webinars, and seminars that focus on managing people, time, and/or finances. An MBA is not essential for all management positions, although it can be helpful, but you should show that you have educated yourself on the role.

Obtain any relevant certifications in your field (for example, Project Management Professional or Six Sigma or LEED certification). Again, these certifications may not be essential but they add to your qualifications.

Take advantage of opportunities at work to lead, whether as a member of a 2-person committee or as a supervisor of 20.

If you cannot find any opportunities at work, then find them in volunteer or civic leadership positions.

Keep a careful record of the impact of your leadership. For example, if you are asked to choose a new vendor for the company, make sure you know where the previous vendor failed, where the new vendor succeeds, and the impact on the company: “reduced time to respond to help desk requests by 5 minutes per call by changing telephone providers.”

Remember that you are applying for management. You should be prepared to help your resume writer with examples of how you motivated people, defused difficult situations, liaised with other departments or vendors, saved an organization money, and so on.

And finally, hire a professional resume writer who will focus your management resume, identify hard and soft skills you may have overlooked, and make sure that your resume and cover letter contain the keywords that hiring managers and recruiters are looking for a manager. Contact Robin’s Resumes® today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2016/01/management-resumes-applying-for-your-first-management-job/feed/0Are You a Contingent Worker?https://robinresumes.com/2016/01/are-you-a-contingent-worker/
https://robinresumes.com/2016/01/are-you-a-contingent-worker/#respondSun, 17 Jan 2016 10:22:09 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2177Recently, the Harvard Business Review published some interesting statistics on jobs of the future. They focused on the category of “contingent workers,” those who are independent contractors, consultants, and freelancers. By pulling together research from several sources, they found that the average company currently hires nearly 35% of its staff as contingent workers; the category is growing; and it currently involves about 6.4 million Americans. About a third of those contingent workers are earning $75,000 or more per year.

This information has two important effects on job seekers and resumes:

During gaps in full-time employment, a decision to take a contingent (contract, freelance, or consulting) job actually makes you more employable, not less. Companies want the flexibility of adding and removing staff as needed; and they are willing to pay a premium for the temporary use of difficult-to-find skills. When looking for a full-time employee, they appreciate that skills are kept current and sharp in a contingent position. Therefore, your resume will be stronger for your efforts to take on contingent work while you look for a full-time job.

If you decide you like the independence and work/life balance that accompanies contingent work, then you need to be prepared to sell yourself over and over again as a contingent employee. That means you need a strong resume and online presence (as in your LinkedIn profile) that particularly highlights your unique value to companies as a contingent worker.

Whether you are working as a contingent employee to fill a gap in full-time employment or as a long-term choice, your resume should make it clear that you are not job hopping. There are several ways of doing this. For example, all your freelance positions can be grouped under one heading (the name of your freelance company or a title like “Consulting Engagements”). Or, with a shorter list of jobs, it might make sense to list your position at each company as, for example, “Software Engineer Consultant.”

In addition, the resume need not list every previous contract, consultant, or freelance job you undertake. Instead, it should focus on the situations that most closely match the position that you are applying for. A partial listing can be identified as “Significant Engagements” or a similar phrase.

Having worked as both a contingent and full-time employee in my career, I know how to create a strong resume that does justice to your skills and accomplishments. I look forward to hearing from you.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2016/01/are-you-a-contingent-worker/feed/0Resumes That Stand Out: Details Make the Differencehttps://robinresumes.com/2016/01/resumes-that-stand-out-details-make-the-difference/
https://robinresumes.com/2016/01/resumes-that-stand-out-details-make-the-difference/#respondSun, 10 Jan 2016 10:18:04 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2175You could inscribe your resume on a gold bar and deliver it in a Lamborghini—but the company you are applying to will still hire the individual who has the right set of skills, accomplishments, knowledge, and experience. You could simply shout from the rooftops that you are the best prepared, best organized, highest potential, most focused candidate for the job—but every company still wants proof in the form of actual accomplishments.

That’s where the details count. Before you even begin a resume, gather all the information you can about your previous and current jobs, including job descriptions, reviews, and examples of your work.

Providing More Than a List of Tasks

You want each job description to contain more than a simple statement of duties or tasks. Check out the differences between these two descriptions:

Worked on network security.

Improved network security at a college by configuring Cisco firewall servers and routers and protecting private addresses with a new IP address scheme.

Clearly, statement (b) is more detailed. That detail sets the individual apart from the competition who may have also worked on network security but not at a college, not using Cisco technology, and not employing the same two techniques.

Using Numbers

Any time you can put numbers on an achievement, you have added a detail that will catch the eye of a recruiter or hiring manager. You trained other salespeople; it is much more compelling to give the details: “Trained 30 salespeople in two divisions; subsequently, ten became sales employees of the month and one became division sales employee of the year.” You could simply state that you increased attendance at community events; it is more impressive if you give the details: “Increased attendance at community events 30% over 2 years through Facebook and Twitter campaigns.”

Naming Names

You also add detail when you provide the name of the project you worked on, the organization you led, the awards you won, the technologies you used (for example, Facebook and Twitter in the previous example), the departments you interfaced with, and the title of the individual you reported to. For example, “charged by CEO to improve communications between Finance and Sales Departments” or “led Lean initiative for all Midwest branches.”

How Robin’s Resumes® Can Help

When adding detail, make sure it is relevant to the job you are applying for. No one expects (or wants) your entire life history in a resume. Hiring managers and recruiter are looking for those details that match the company’s needs.

Robin’s Resumes® helps job seekers add the right level and type of detail to their resumes. Contact me today.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2016/01/resumes-that-stand-out-details-make-the-difference/feed/0Defining Some Resume Termshttps://robinresumes.com/2016/01/defining-some-resume-terms/
https://robinresumes.com/2016/01/defining-some-resume-terms/#respondSun, 03 Jan 2016 10:14:41 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2173Often in these blogs I speak about achievement, hard skills, soft skills, knowledge, and experience. Here briefly are definitions of those terms with examples:

Hard skills are those you accumulate through education and experience, such as the ability to code software, speak Italian, build a house, or audit finances. The best way to demonstrate hard skills is to incorporate them in an achievement. They can also be listed briefly at the top or bottom of the resume (language fluency or financial skills are often handled this way), depending on their importance to the job.

Soft skills include leadership, teamwork, and the ability to handle difficult situations (for example, difficult customers)—anything that reflects on who you are as a person. These are best shown as part of achievements: “Led team of technical writers and designers in developing user manuals.” If you simply state that you are a great leader, the hiring manager or recruiter has no incentive to believe you. You must demonstrate through an achievement that you practiced your leadership ability and that your leadership had an effect on the company.

Knowledge includes education, both college degrees and continuing education through workshops, seminars, post-graduate courses, and so on. (High school education is generally not mentioned unless you are applying for your first job as a teenager.) You should mention if you are working toward a degree or if you fulfilled some of the requirements toward a degree.

Experience includes board memberships, volunteer work, participation in professional organizations, publications, and relevant hobbies (for example, membership in a softball team when you are applying to sell sports equipment).

Your resume should highlight achievements, hard and soft skills, education, and experience because they are unique to you and make you stand out from the competition. Whether you call it “branding” or a “unique value proposition” or any other name, what employers want to know is why they should hire you and not the other guy.

Having trouble identifying and writing about the achievements, skills, knowledge, and experiences that make you a valuable employee? Contact Robin’s Resumes® for the help you need.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2016/01/defining-some-resume-terms/feed/0Matching Your Resume to the Marketplacehttps://robinresumes.com/2015/12/matching-your-resume-to-the-marketplace/
https://robinresumes.com/2015/12/matching-your-resume-to-the-marketplace/#respondSun, 27 Dec 2015 10:41:29 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2132Here are the problems that arose with three job seekers:

Bob wants to transition to a new career but his search always leads him back to the same position he holds now.

Carol decides her future job title is critical; she’s determined to move up to the VP level.

Frank applies for anything and everything indiscriminately.

In each case, there is a disconnect between the job seeker and the job market.

In the first case, to qualify for a different position, field, or industry, Bob and his resume must both look to the future. Bob must be comfortable looking for, writing about, and talking about the transferrable skills and accomplishments that would most impress a new employer. As discussed in an earlier blog post on transitioning skills, Bob must focus his resume on the requirements of the job he wants, not the jobs he held in the past.

In the second case, because job titles have become all important to Carol, she is bound to overlook relevant job listings. Companies of different sizes, in different locations, in different industries—even divisions within those companies—differ in their use of job titles. A Director in a larger company may actually be above the pay and prestige level of a Vice President in another, smaller company.

In the last case, Frank’s main goal is to get a job (any job). However, companies are seeking someone who will meet their specific needs and advance the company’s goals. It is not the company’s duty to figure out where Frank fits; it is Frank’s duty to show where he fits. Frank’s resume must demonstrate that his skills and accomplishments will benefit the company or the company has no reason to consider him.

Before you decide that you are locked into a career path, that your job title is a deal breaker, or that it is okay to have no idea where your career is going, please inquire about my professional services as a certified Job and Career Transition Coach (JCTC) and a certified resume writer. I can help you with the steps that lead to a winning resume and the interviews you really want.

]]>https://robinresumes.com/2015/12/matching-your-resume-to-the-marketplace/feed/0Work Gaps: How to Return to Work or Transition Jobshttps://robinresumes.com/2015/12/work-gaps-how-to-return-to-work-or-transition-jobs/
https://robinresumes.com/2015/12/work-gaps-how-to-return-to-work-or-transition-jobs/#respondSun, 20 Dec 2015 10:28:27 +0000https://robinresumes.com/?p=2130Have you been out of work a long time or are thinking about transitioning into a new job? It is definitely possible to re-enter the workforce after a long absence or in a brand new role. Your value to a company will be clear if you take some of the following steps:

Take professional/academic courses to keep you current with your profession.

Volunteer because volunteer work also involves skills and accomplishments.

Accept a position with a professional association or help out with a professional conference. You will be seen and remembered, and you will meet networking contacts.

Look for consulting or freelance jobs to build up your resume with current experience rather than trying to move directly into a full-time job.

If you have been out of work for a while or if you are transitioning into a new industry or profession, you may not be aware of all the opportunities available to you. Informational interviews may help you learn about job positions or career paths you had not considered. In an informational interview, you are not asking for a job but for information about your industry or profession.

Before confining your search to entry-level positions, make sure you have fully considered your current and transferrable skills. You should not need to start with a job that requires no skill and no work experience at all: you have skills and you have experience. Again, an informational interview may give you more confidence about the value you bring to a company and indicate what you can do to make yourself even more valuable.

As a professional career coach as well as a professional resume writer, I can help you return to the workplace or transition from your current career.